Divine Restoration and the Spirit of the Overflow

Apostle Allison Smith-Conliff centers on the theme of divine restoration found in the book of Ezekiel. The Apostle shares a personal testimony of overcoming a "bed of affliction" two decades ago, using her recovery as a testament to God’s faithfulness. Throughout the message, the Apostle encourages the congregation to move beyond idleness and unforgiveness, which are described as spiritual barriers to health and victory. By examining the biblical narrative of Israel, the sermon emphasizes that God’s jealous protection will eventually silence enemies and provide an overflow of blessings. The service concludes with a prophetic declaration of a new season, promising that those who remain committed to their faith will experience renewed prosperity and peace.Key Points:Divine intervention acts as a transformative force that shifts circumstances from abandonment and "desolate wastes" into a "season of overflow" and prosperity. The role of divine intervention in this transformation involves the following key elements:God initiates transformation by speaking directly to the desolate situation. God instructs His servant to "prophesy to the mountains" and the "desolate wastes," commanding them to hear His word. This intervention is designed to capture the attention of those who have been suppressed and to announce a change in their status. Even when enemies mock the desolate saying "Aha!" and believing they have them "in a bag", divine intervention ensures that God has the "final say".A significant part of divine intervention is God’s active defense of His people. God has a "jealous anger" that burns against nations or enemies that have plundered His people and treated them with contempt. This intervention serves to: Remove the "shame of the heathen" that the desolate have had to bear.Ensure that those who caused the suffering will eventually face their own "turn at suffering shame".Protect the "vineyard" and preserve His people even when times are at their worst.Divine intervention does not just offer comfort; it restores tangible prosperity. The Apostle highlights that when God intervenes, He restores "every single thing and beyond". This includes:Agricultural Productivity: God commands the land to "shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit," ensuring that crops will mature and the ground will be tilled once again.Economic and Physical Growth: Intervention leads to the rebuilding of ruined cities, the multiplication of flocks and herds, and a great increase in population.Increased Prosperity: God promises to make the restored situation "even more prosperous" than it was before the desolation occurred.While the intervention is divine, certain human actions help facilitate this shift from desolation to prosperity:Praise as a Weapon: Praise is described as a "warlike instrument" that cuts into the kingdom of darkness to open "financial doors" and restore health.Forgiveness: Holding onto unforgiveness or "iniquity" can stop the move of God; therefore, learning to forgive is essential to maintaining victory and allowing prosperity to flow.Trust and Persistence: Believers must trust God's timing and refuse to accept "mess," knowing that God can bring them out of any "bed of affliction".Divine intervention is characterized as a "success story" where God prepares a way for those who have wandered or been oppressed to "come home" to a new season of wisdom, favor, and rest.Rec. Date: 9th July, 2023