I Will Restore To You The Years That Have Been Wasted (Clip)
Zac Poonen teaches that God promises to restore the years wasted due to failures and encourages believers to claim this restoration by faith.
This sermon emphasizes God's promise to restore the years that have been lost or wasted in our lives, using the analogy of locusts devouring crops to represent the destruction in our lives. It encourages believers to claim this promise and trust in God's ability to redeem and make up for all that has been taken away. The message highlights the importance of seeking restoration from God for past failures and mistakes, reminding us of His faithfulness to renew and bring new life to areas that have been barren.
Full Transcript
I will restore to you or make up to you for all the years, uses different locusts, that these locusts have eaten away from your life. The great army which I send among you, I will restore to you the years that were eaten away. I remember in times when I've slipped up and failed, these words are of tremendous encouragement to me, Lord, what shall I do about years that were wasted? I will restore to you the years that you wasted in your life that have been eaten up.
We never get a promise from God if we don't claim it.
Sermon Outline
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I
- God's promise to restore lost years
- Understanding the metaphor of locusts eating away life
- The significance of restoration in the believer's journey
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II
- Personal reflection on failure and wasted time
- Encouragement found in God's promise
- The importance of claiming God's promises
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III
- How to claim God's restoration by faith
- Living in the hope of renewed purpose
- Practical steps to move forward after setbacks
Key Quotes
“I will restore to you or make up to you for all the years... that these locusts have eaten away from your life.” — Zac Poonen
“I remember in times when I've slipped up and failed, these words are of tremendous encouragement to me.” — Zac Poonen
“We never get a promise from God if we don't claim it.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Reflect on areas of your life where you feel time has been wasted and bring them before God for restoration.
- Actively claim God's promises through prayer and faith rather than waiting passively.
- Trust that God can renew your purpose and use your past failures for His glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God will restore the years wasted?
It means God promises to compensate for the time lost due to sin, failure, or hardship by renewing and blessing the believer's life.
How can I claim God's promise of restoration?
By faith, prayer, and trusting in God's word, believers must actively claim His promises rather than passively waiting.
Is this promise only for certain people?
No, this promise is for all who trust in God and seek His restoration sincerely.
What are 'locusts' symbolic of in this sermon?
Locusts symbolize the destructive forces or circumstances that have eaten away at a person's life or time.
Can past failures be completely erased?
While the past cannot be changed, God’s restoration brings healing and renewal that surpass past losses.