RESTORATION AND LOSS

We all go through loss in our lives.

We could blame people, God, or the enemy. We search for answers, go through severe turmoil and grief. Healing starts when we truly forgive and take God at His word. Read the Bible and search for scripture on the truth about loss and restoration. We often pray that God will give back what the enemy has stolen, but I believe that when God restores, His restoration looks a bit different from what you might be expecting to see. The Bible doesn’t use the exact phrase “God will give back what the enemy has stolen,” but there are several powerful passages that express exactly that principle.

The clearest one: Joel 2:25

“I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…” Joel 2:25 (KJV)

This is often quoted when speaking about God restoring what has been lost, destroyed, or taken over a season of hardship.

Also very powerful: 1 Samuel 30:18–19

After David’s enemies had raided Ziklag and taken their families and possessions:

“And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away…” 1 Samuel 30:18

and verse 19 says: “David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away.”

That is perhaps the closest biblical picture of “God giving back what the enemy stole.” David pursued what had been taken and recovered everything.

I really had a close look at what this scripture said in Isaiah 61:7, speaking about restoration instead of loss.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards. You will be called priests of the LORD, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”

Isaiah 61:1-7

This speaks beautifully about God replacing shame, loss, and humiliation with restoration and blessing.

Proverbs 6 specifically talks about restitution after theft:

“Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving. But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house.”

Proverbs 6:30-31 NLT

So, if you’re looking for a Scripture to pray over a season where you feel that years, opportunities, relationships, health, finances, or purpose have been stolen, I would especially use: Joel 2:25 + 1 Samuel 30:18–19 + Isaiah 61:7 and I love the wording of Joel because God doesn’t merely say “I will help you cope with what was lost.” He says:

“I WILL RESTORE.”

So, let’s talk about the meaning of Restore

RESTORE

R - Renew

God renews your strength, hope, and vision.

E - Establish

He establishes your identity, purpose, and foundation.

S - Strengthen

He strengthens what has become weak or broken.

T - Transform

He transforms pain, loss, and setbacks into something purposeful.

O - Overcome

Through Him, you overcome what tried to defeat you.

R - Rebuild

He helps you rebuild what was damaged or taken.

E - Expand

He can enlarge your territory, influence, and capacity beyond what you imagined.

I don’t know about you, but I am not interested in the enemy’s stolen goods; I am only focusing on how God restores beyond my longing and imagination!