In a stirring sermon that has captured the hearts of many, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi, the Continent Overseer 2 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), emphasized the biblical theme of restoration, urging Nigerians to hold onto faith amid economic and personal hardships.
He announced this on Saturday in Abuja during a prayer meeting titled “Morning of Joy” with the theme “Restore” organized by the RCCG FCT Province 7, Gwarinpa.
“The whole of the Bible is a single story of restoration. All you need to do is to take time to read through. In Genesis, humans lost the garden, and in Revelation, God restores it back,” Pastor Odeyemi began, addressing a packed congregation. “Whatever it may be that you might have lost through your carelessness or otherwise, the Lord will restore it in Jesus’ name.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Pastor Odeyemi recounted a challenging period two decades ago when his health was failing, impacting his ability to fulfill his ministerial duties.
“I discovered that I was struggling to survive and yet had a lot of ministration to do. And I realized there was one thing I was not doing right. As soon as I corrected it, today, I am stronger than I used to be 20 years ago.”
Drawing from Luke 13:10-13, he spoke about a woman who had suffered for 18 years before Jesus healed her, using her story to highlight the importance of unwavering faith.
“We live at a time when our heads are bowed down by what the economic situation has done. This woman did not stop going to church, unlike people today. Under no circumstances must you stop coming to church, no matter what the enemy throws at you.”
Pastor Odeyemi structured his message into three key outlines: Restoration to Individuals, Restoration to Families, and Restoration to the Whole City.
Buttressing the Restoration of Individuals, he emphasized that Jesus’ healing power is absolute and nothing is too difficult for Him. “On a particular day, the Lord took notice of her and attended to her case, and that infirmity disappeared. Why did Jesus heal her? Because there is nothing absolutely difficult for Him to do. Luke 1:37 says, ‘For with God, nothing shall be impossible.’ Don’t put God in the same category as your government. You put all your faith in a government that at times does not know its way.”
Also, while speaking on Restoration at the Family Level, Pastor Odeyemi recalled the story of the widow in 1 Kings 17:8-15, who, despite facing famine, was instructed by God to feed the prophet Elijah. Her obedience led to abundant provision.
“There are several things you cannot change in life, so why worry about them? Like the dollar rising against the naira. Leave each day by faith; the Bible says ‘the just shall live by faith.’ How God will feed your family, I don’t know, but your blessings will come to your house. God will not let you be put to shame in this time of famine.”
Similarly, while hinting on Restoration of the Whole City, he cited 2 Kings 2:19-22, Pastor Odeyemi expressed hope for Nigeria’s future despite its current challenges. “The situation of Nigeria looks so hopeless, but I believe something good will come out of it. Elijah spoke the word, and the barren land was healed. The land of Nigeria will prosper you.”
Pastor Odeyemi urged Nigerians to study the word of God and embrace its power. “Every word possesses power. Take all stories as if they appear for you. When it is your time, the Lord will create a vacancy for you. Just receive it.”
In closing, he reminded the congregation of the transformative power of faith and divine intervention. “Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria. Let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God’ (Matthew 5:9).”
As Nigeria faces its current trials, Pastor Odeyemi’s message of restoration offers a beacon of hope and a call to unwavering faith, resonating deeply with individuals, families, and communities across the nation.
