WAR AGAINST MIRACLE STOPPERS 2

Title: WAR AGAINST MIRACLE STOPPERS. PART 2

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 17:14-21 
Supporting Texts: Mark 9:14-29, Luke 11:14-20, Ephesians 6:12, 1 John 4:4

*INTRODUCTION
Miracles are divine interventions that transform our natural situations into supernatural outcomes. However, there are forces and factors that act as barriers, stopping these miracles from manifesting in our lives. These "miracle stoppers" can range from personal shortcomings and lack of faith to spiritual opposition. In Matthew 17:14-21, we see an account of a boy possessed by a demon whom the disciples could not heal. Jesus identifies unbelief as a major miracle stopper. This sermon will explore various miracle stoppers and how we can wage war against them to experience the full manifestation of God's miraculous power in our lives.

1.   UNDERSTANDING MIRACLE STOPPERS

a) Unbelief and Doubt
Unbelief is a significant miracle stopper. In Mark 9:14-29, the father of a possessed boy says, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus replied, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Doubt can hinder the power of God from working in our lives. It was because of the disciples' lack of faith that they could not cast out the demon (Matthew 17:20).

b) Spiritual Oppression and Demonic Forces
Ephesians 6:12 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. These demonic forces can hinder the manifestation of miracles. In Luke 11:14-20, Jesus rebukes the spirit that caused muteness, illustrating that spiritual opposition can block miracles.

c) Sin and Disobedience
Sin creates a barrier between us and God. In 1 John 4:4, we are reminded that "greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world." However, persistent sin and disobedience can weaken our spiritual authority and prevent miracles. Isaiah 59:1-2 states that sin can separate us from God’s blessings and intervention.

d) Lack of Preparation and Readiness 
Sometimes, we are not prepared for the miracles God wants to perform. The Israelites in the wilderness had to prepare themselves to enter the Promised Land, but their lack of readiness delayed their miracle. In Joshua 3:5, God told them, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

2. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF MIRACLE STOPPERS 

a) The Israelites Unbelief in the Wilderness (Numbers 13:31-33) 
When the Israelites saw the giants in the land of Canaan, their fear and unbelief prevented them from entering the Promised Land. They saw themselves as grasshoppers compared to the giants, which was a major miracle stopper.

b) The Infirm Woman’s Suffering (Luke 13:10-17)
In Luke 13, the woman who had been bent over for 18 years had a spirit of infirmity. The synagogue leader’s criticism of Jesus for healing on the Sabbath was a barrier to recognizing and accepting the miracle.

c) King Herod's Persecution (Acts 12:1-17)
Herod’s persecution of the early Church and imprisonment of Peter was a significant obstacle to the spread of the gospel. However, Peter’s miraculous release from prison demonstrates that no miracle stopper is too powerful for God.

d) The Rich Young Ruler’s Attachment to Wealth (Mark 10:17-22) 
The rich young ruler could not follow Jesus because he was attached to his wealth. His inability to let go of his possessions stopped him from receiving the miracle of eternal life.

3. HOW TO WAR AGAINST MIRACLE STOPPERS 

a) Strengthen Your Faith
Jesus said that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Strengthening your faith through prayer, studying the Word, and worship can overcome doubt and unbelief.

b) Engage in Spiritual Warfare 
According to Ephesians 6:12, we must fight against spiritual forces with the full armor of God. This includes prayer, fasting, and using the authority given to us in Christ to combat demonic opposition.

c) Repent and Seek Forgiveness
Repentance is essential to removing barriers caused by sin. 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This allows us to align ourselves with God’s will and receive His blessings.

d) Prepare and Position Yourself for the Miracle
Preparation involves aligning our actions and attitudes with God’s plan. Like the Israelites preparing to cross the Jordan, we need to prepare ourselves spiritually and physically to receive God’s miracles.

e) Overcome Discouragement and Despair
Encourage yourself in the Lord, as David did in 1 Samuel 30:6. Do not let past disappointments or current struggles prevent you from believing in God's ability to perform miracles.

4. WHY GOD ALLOWS MIRACLE STOPPERS

a) To Strengthen Our Faith 
God allows us to face obstacles to build our faith. Romans 5:3-4 explains that trials produce perseverance, character, and hope, strengthening our reliance on God.

b) To Reveal His Glory 
When God overcomes miracle stoppers, His power and glory are magnified. John 11:4 reveals that Lazarus’s sickness was for God’s glory, so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.

c) To Teach Us Persistence and Dependence
Facing miracle stoppers teaches us to be persistent and rely fully on God. The persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 teaches us that we should always pray and not give up.

d) To Develop Our Character 
Obstacles refine our character and prepare us for greater responsibilities. James 1:2-4 says that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, which is essential for maturity and completeness.

5. HOW TO USE YOUR MIRACLE EFFECTIVELY

a) Give Glory to God 
Acknowledge that the miracle came from God and give Him all the glory. Psalm 115:1 says, “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.”

b) Share Your Testimony
Share your testimony to encourage others and spread the message of God’s power. Revelation 12:11 says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

c) Use the Miracle to Serve Others
Use the blessing to help others and expand God's kingdom. Galatians 5:13 reminds us to serve one another humbly in love.

d) Continue in Faith and Obedience
Remain faithful and obedient to God’s Word. Continue to seek His will and follow His commands, even after experiencing a miracle.

CONCLUSION
Miracle stoppers can seem daunting, but we have the power to overcome them through faith, spiritual warfare, and a righteous life. By understanding these barriers and how to address them, we can position ourselves to receive and benefit from God’s miracles. God is always ready to move powerfully in our lives, and with His help, we can break through every obstacle that stands in the way of our blessings.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, strengthen my faith to overcome every form of doubt and unbelief.

2. Lord, reveal and remove any spiritual forces opposing my miracles.

3. Father, forgive my sins and cleanse me from any unrighteousness that may hinder my blessings.

4. Lord, prepare me spiritually and physically to receive Your miracles.

5. Father, grant me persistence in the face of discouragement and obstacles.

6. Lord, help me to recognize and overcome any personal shortcomings that act as barriers.

7. Father, let Your glory be revealed through every miracle You perform in my life.

8. Lord, teach me to depend on You fully and to remain faithful in all circumstances.

9. Father, give me the courage to share my testimony and encourage others with Your power.

10. Lord, help me use Your miracles to serve others and advance Your kingdom.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that every miracle stopper in my life is being removed in Jesus’ name.

2. I prophesy that my faith is being strengthened to overcome all doubts and obstacles.

3. I declare that every spiritual opposition against my miracles is defeated by the power of God.

4. I decree that I am prepared and positioned to receive the fullness of God’s blessings.

5. I declare that the glory of God will be revealed through every miracle in my life.

6. I prophesy that I will use my miracles to serve others and expand God’s kingdom.

7. I declare that I will walk in continuous faith and obedience to God’s Word.

8. I decree that every chain of discouragement and despair is broken off my life.

9. I declare that my testimony will encourage others and bring glory to God.

10. I prophesy new opportunities and divine favour as I overcome every miracle stopper.