Restoration is Coming: Finding Hope After Seasons of Loss

In the book of Joel, we find a powerful message of hope and restoration that speaks directly to our current moment. Just as the people of Judah faced a devastating locust plague, many of us are still recovering from the global crisis that began in 2019-2020. It typically takes about five years for people to recover from such significant global events - and now is our time for restoration.

Understanding the Crisis in Joel

Joel describes a devastating natural disaster that struck the land of Judah - which means "praise." This is significant because the disaster hit the place of praise. Similarly, during our recent global crisis, our praise was affected. Our worship shifted. Our gatherings were disrupted.

The locusts in Joel came in four successive waves, each devouring what the previous wave left behind. This symbolized total destruction and helplessness. The number four in Scripture often represents natural order and completeness - indicating this was a comprehensive devastation that touched every aspect of life.

What were the four types of locusts that caused destruction?

Joel mentions four specific types of locusts that represent different layers of loss:

• The Swarming Locust - Representing confusion and overwhelming attacks. Like the swarm of fear, misinformation, and panic that robbed many churches of vision during the pandemic.

• The Creeping Locust - Representing silent infiltration of the enemy. While churches were physically closed, compromise crept into our homes, hearts, and habits. Many believers disconnected spiritually.

• The Stripping Locust - Representing visible loss and exposure. What was once productive became barren. Businesses slowed, marriages struggled, ministries lost momentum, attendance dropped, and financial giving dried up.

• The Gnawing Locust - Representing ongoing torment and residual pain. The constant small bites that wear you down emotionally and spiritually over time.

Why did God allow this devastation?

In Joel 2:25, God says, "My great army which I sent among you." This reveals something profound - while God may not have caused the crisis, He allowed it. Nothing happens that God doesn't permit.

The crisis was a spiritual wake-up call. Joel urged the priests, elders, and people to fast, cry out, and repent. The prophet warned that what happened was only a shadow of something greater coming - "the day of the Lord."

How does this relate to our recent global crisis?

Our recent global crisis was more about the church than anyone else. It was a divine invitation to repent. As 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways..."

The pandemic revealed where our trust truly lies. Do we trust in vaccinations more than the hand of God? Do we trust in our money more than in God? These are the "wicked ways" that God's people need to turn from - our divided loyalties and idolatrous tendencies.

What does God promise after repentance?

When people respond to God's call to return with their whole heart, God promises not just forgiveness but full restoration. Joel 2:25-26 says:

"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust... You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be put to shame."

The Hebrew word for "restore" doesn't just mean giving back what was lost - it means giving back what was lost with interest. God doesn't work in division or subtraction; He works in addition and multiplication.

How will God's restoration come?

God's restoration will come in one moment, in one transaction. What was supposed to be yours for the last five years (or more), God will bring back to you all at once. It will be "good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over" (Luke 6:38).

This restoration isn't just about what you lost during the crisis - it's about more than you would have had if the crisis never happened. It will be so miraculous that everyone will have to acknowledge, "Look what the Lord has done!"

Who will experience restoration first?

Those who stayed connected to God's house and purpose during the crisis will experience restoration first. The remnant who continued to serve God, love God, and come to the house of the Lord despite the challenges - these are the ones who will see restoration first.

Life Application

As we look forward to God's restoration, here are some practical steps to position yourself for this season:

• Return to God with your whole heart - Eliminate divided loyalties and put God first in every area of your life.

• Reconnect with God's house - If you've been away from church, it's time to come back. The blessing flows where God's people gather.

• Reject fear - Make a decision that fear will no longer have authority in your life. Choose faith instead.

• Remember God's faithfulness - Remind yourself of how God has restored in the past. The same God who did it before can do it again.

• Recognize God's hand in your blessing - When restoration comes, give God all the glory. Don't trust in the blessing more than the One who blessed you.

Ask yourself:

• Where have I allowed fear to control my decisions rather than faith?

• In what areas of my life have I experienced loss that needs God's restoration?

• Am I fully connected to God's house and His people?

• When God restores me, how will I use that blessing to further His kingdom?

Restoration is coming. It's not a question of if, but when. Look your problems square in the face and declare: "Restoration is coming!"