THE GOD WHO STOPS THE HAND OF DEATH

THE GOD WHO STOPS THE HAND OF DEATH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 118:17

Supporting Texts: 2 Kings 20:1-6, Exodus 12:29-30, Job 33:22-25, John 11:25-26, Revelation 1:18

INTRODUCTION:
Death is one of the most feared forces in human existence, often viewed as an unstoppable end. Yet, the Bible reveals a God who has absolute power over life and death. He can interrupt death’s assignment, cancel its verdict, and bring restoration to those on the brink of the grave. Whether the death is physical, spiritual, financial, or relational, our God specialises in turning hopeless situations around. Today, we will discover the power of the God who stops the hand of death and brings life where death was certain.

1. GOD HOLDS THE KEYS OF LIFE AND DEATH

a) Christ has ultimate authority over death (Revelation 1:18)
Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades, meaning no death can take place unless He allows it.

b) God is the giver and sustainer of life (Acts 17:25)
Every breath we take is a gift from God, and He alone can determine our lifespan.

c) Death cannot overpower those under divine covenant (Psalm 91:16)
When God promises long life, no premature death can alter that promise.

d) The enemy cannot kill without divine permission (Job 2:6)
Even Satan must receive God’s consent before afflicting life.

Biblical Example: King Hezekiah’s life extended (2 Kings 20:1-6)

2. GOD INTERRUPTS DEATH SENTENCES

a) God reverses the decree of death (Esther 9:1)
The verdict of death over God’s people can be turned into a testimony of life.

b) He responds to intercession and prayer (James 5:16)
Fervent prayers can cause God to overturn death’s verdict.

c) He can change times and seasons in our favour (Daniel 2:21)
What was appointed for destruction can be shifted by divine intervention.

d) God’s mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:13)
Even when death seems deserved, God can choose to spare life.

Biblical Example: Peter rescued from Herod’s execution (Acts 12:5-11)

3. GOD RESTORES LIFE WHERE DEATH HAS OCCURRED

a) God can resurrect dead situations (Ezekiel 37:5)
The breath of God can restore life to what has been declared dead.

b) He has power over the grave (Hosea 13:14)
God can call forth the dead from their resting place.

c) Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26)
Believing in Him ensures that death is never the end.

d) God restores joy after the sorrow of loss (Psalm 30:5)
Weeping may endure for a night, but life and joy return in the morning.

Biblical Example: Lazarus raised from the dead (John 11:38-44)

4. GOD DELIVERS FROM THE SPIRIT OF PREMATURE DEATH

a) Premature death is not God’s portion for His children (Psalm 91:16)
God’s promise is long and fulfilled life, not an untimely end.

b) The blood of Jesus speaks life over His people (Hebrews 12:24)
The blood silences every voice of death against us.

c) God shields His people in the day of danger (Psalm 121:7)
The Lord preserves His own from all evil, including sudden death.

d) Walking in God’s will ensures divine protection (Proverbs 4:10-12)
A life lived in obedience enjoys supernatural preservation.

Biblical Example: Israelites preserved during Passover (Exodus 12:21-30)

CONCLUSION:
The God we serve is not intimidated by death; He is the Author of life. No matter the verdict, diagnosis, or condition, when God steps in, death must step back. As we trust Him, pray fervently, and live in obedience, His hand will shield us from every power of death.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for being the Author and Sustainer of my life.
2. Lord, cancel every verdict of premature death over my life and family.
3. By Your mercy, reverse every death sentence issued against me.
4. Lord Jesus, breathe life into every dead situation in my destiny.
5. Cover me and my household with the blood of Jesus against sudden death.
6. Deliver me from the grip of every spirit of death operating in my lineage.
7. Father, frustrate every satanic agenda to cut my life short.
8. Lord, give me divine immunity against every arrow of death.
9. I decree that I shall fulfil my days in health and peace.
10. Lord, turn every place of mourning in my life into a testimony of joy.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You shall not die but live to declare the works of the Lord.
2. Every death sentence over your life is cancelled in Jesus’ name.
3. You and your household will be preserved from sudden destruction.
4. The life of God will flow through every part of your being.
5. No power of death shall have authority over you.
6. The blood of Jesus will shield you from every evil.
7. God will reverse every hopeless verdict concerning you.
8. Every dead dream in your life will come back to life.
9. You will fulfil the number of your days in joy.
10. Your life will become a living testimony of God’s power over death.