THE GOD WHO MAKES THE CROOKED PLACES STRAIGHT

THE GOD WHO MAKES THE CROOKED PLACES STRAIGHT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 45:1-3

Key Verse: “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron.” — Isaiah 45:2 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 37:23-24; Luke 3:4-6; Exodus 13:21-22

Description: God removes every obstacle, hindrance, and confusion that stands in the way of His children’s divine progress.

INTRODUCTION:
Life’s journey often brings us through paths that seem crooked, confusing, and full of challenges. Yet, the Scriptures reveal a God who specialises in straightening out those difficult paths for His people. He does not only show the way; He makes the way, even in the wilderness. When God promises to make the crooked places straight, He is declaring His power to align every situation with His divine purpose for your life.

The “crooked places” symbolise problems that distort our destiny, delay our progress, or attempt to block the fulfilment of God’s promises. But the Almighty has the power to turn every crooked path into a straight one, turning confusion into clarity, opposition into opportunity, and struggle into success.

When God goes before you, no mountain can stand tall, no valley too deep, and no gate too strong to resist His command. Every crooked place in your life, in your health, finances, relationships, and ministry, is about to be straightened out by the mighty hand of God.

1. GOD GOES BEFORE HIS PEOPLE TO MAKE THE WAY STRAIGHT
When God takes the lead, every barrier before His people must give way. He does not send His children alone; He goes ahead to prepare the path.

a) Divine Leadership — Exodus 13:21–22
God led Israel by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. His presence made their journey possible through the wilderness. When God leads, direction becomes clear.

b) Removal of Obstacles — Isaiah 45:2
God personally intervenes to remove obstacles and hindrances. He breaks gates of brass and cuts bars of iron that represent demonic resistance or human opposition.

c) Preparation of Favour — Psalm 23:5
Before you arrive, God arranges favour in your path. He prepares a table in the presence of your enemies. The straightened path leads to divine provision and victory.

d) Assurance of His Presence — Deuteronomy 31:8
God promises never to leave nor forsake His people. His presence is the guarantee that the crooked will become straight.

Biblical Example: Before Israel entered the Promised Land, God went ahead through Joshua to divide the Jordan River and level Jericho’s walls (Joshua 3-6).

2. GOD STRAIGHTENS CROOKED PLACES IN HUMAN HEARTS
Many of the battles believers face begin within. A crooked heart cannot walk a straight path before God.

a) Purity of Heart — Psalm 51:10
A clean heart gives clarity and direction. God cannot lead where impurity reigns.

b) Surrender to God’s Will — Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in the Lord with all your heart allows Him to direct your path. Dependence on self creates crookedness; dependence on God brings alignment.

c) Renewal by the Word — Psalm 119:105
God’s Word lights our path and corrects every inner distortion, leading us to truth and stability.

d) Transformation by the Spirit — Romans 8:14
The Holy Spirit straightens our desires, thoughts, and motives to align with divine purpose.

Biblical Example: Saul of Tarsus was crooked in his zeal until Jesus met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6). God straightened his life and turned him into Apostle Paul.

3. GOD STRAIGHTENS CROOKED SITUATIONS IN OUR LIVES
Every crooked situation has an expiry date when God steps in.

a) In Times of Delay — Habakkuk 2:3
Delay is not denial. When the appointed time comes, God straightens the timeline and brings fulfilment.

b) In Financial Hardship — Philippians 4:19
God is able to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. He straightens the economy of His children.

c) In Family and Relationship Conflicts — Genesis 50:20
What the enemy meant for evil, God turns around for good. He aligns family relationships to fulfil destiny.

d) In Ministry and Purpose — Isaiah 40:4-5
Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain made low. When God straightens your path, glory follows your assignment.

Biblical Example: Joseph’s crooked journey from the pit to the prison was straightened by God into a path that led to the palace (Genesis 41:39-44).

4. GOD MAKES THE CROOKED PLACES STRAIGHT THROUGH FAITH AND OBEDIENCE
God’s promises require our faith and obedience to be activated.

a) Faith in His Promises — Hebrews 11:8–10
Abraham followed God without knowing where he was going, yet God straightened his path to greatness.

b) Obedience to His Instructions — Deuteronomy 28:1–2
Obedience releases divine alignment. When we obey, God removes hindrances.

c) Patience in the Process — James 1:4
God’s straightening may take time, but His process produces perfection.

d) Praise as a Weapon — Acts 16:25-26
Praise breaks every prison chain and levels the crooked ground beneath your feet.

Biblical Example: The Israelites marched around Jericho in obedience and faith, and God straightened the path to victory by collapsing the walls (Joshua 6:20).

CONCLUSION:
When God promises to make the crooked places straight, He is assuring His children that no hindrance will stand forever. Every twisted path, every obstacle, and every confusing turn is within His power to realign for your good. Trusting in His leadership and remaining obedient to His Word will bring supernatural order and divine progress.

The same God who went before Cyrus, Israel, and the apostles will go before you. He will straighten your journey, clear your obstacles, and make your destiny shine forth in glory. Your crooked places are being made straight by the hand of the Almighty.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for being the God who goes before me and makes my crooked places straight.
2. Lord, every obstacle standing between me and my destiny, be removed in Jesus’ name.
3. O Lord, straighten every area of confusion and disorder in my life.
4. Father, let Your presence go before me daily and make my journey smooth.
5. O Lord, break every gate of brass and cut in sunder every bar of iron hindering my progress.
6. Lord, align my heart, my will, and my desires with Your divine plan.
7. Every crooked situation in my family, ministry, or finances — be made straight by fire!
8. Father, grant me grace to walk in obedience and faith until my path shines brighter.
9. Lord, by Your mercy, restore order where the enemy has brought confusion.
10. Father, go before me this month and make every path smooth and full of favour.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall walk in divine order and direction from today.
2. Every crooked path before you is made straight by the power of God.
3. You shall not stumble in confusion; the Lord shall guide your every step.
4. Every obstacle on your way to destiny shall be removed by divine intervention.
5. You shall enjoy divine favour in places where others struggle.
6. The Lord shall go before you and level every mountain in your path.
7. The gates of brass and bars of iron are broken for your sake.
8. You shall move forward unhindered and prosper in your divine assignment.
9. Your journey this season shall be smooth, fruitful, and divinely directed.
10. You shall testify that the Lord has made your crooked places straight.