BREAKING THE YOKE OF STAGNATION

Title: BREAKING THE YOKE OF STAGNATION

By Rev Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 43:19 
"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Supporting Text: Philippians 3:13-14 
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

INTRODUCTION
Stagnation can be a significant hindrance to our growth and progress, affecting our personal, spiritual, and professional lives. It often manifests as a sense of being stuck or unable to move forward. In today’s sermon, we will explore how to break free from the yoke of stagnation by embracing God's new beginnings, setting new goals, and applying biblical principles to move forward in our lives.

1. EMBRACING GOD’S NEW BEGINNINGS 

a) God’s Promise of New Things (Isaiah 43:19)
Isaiah 43:19 declares, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" God is constantly at work, creating new opportunities and pathways even in the most challenging circumstances. Embracing God’s promise of new beginnings helps us to recognize and seize the fresh opportunities He provides.

b) Renewing Our Mindset (Romans 12:2) 
Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Renewing our mindset is crucial for breaking free from stagnation. It involves shifting our perspective to align with God’s plans and possibilities.

c) Releasing the Past (Isaiah 43:18)
Isaiah 43:18 says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past." To move forward, we must let go of past failures, disappointments, and regrets. God invites us to release the past and focus on the new things He is doing in our lives.

2. PURSUING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

a) Setting New Goals (Philippians 3:13-14)
Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize." Setting new goals and striving towards them helps us break the cycle of stagnation. It involves envisioning a better future and actively working towards achieving it.

b) Developing New Skills (Proverbs 22:29)
Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank." Developing new skills and improving our abilities can propel us out of stagnation and into positions of influence and success.

c) Embracing Change (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Ecclesiastes 3:1 declares, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Embracing change and adapting to new circumstances are essential for overcoming stagnation. Recognizing that change is a natural part of life helps us to accept and navigate transitions effectively.

3. PRAYING FOR BREAKTHROUGH AND MOVEMENT

a) Prayer for Divine Guidance (Psalm 32:8)
Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." We pray for God’s guidance in breaking free from stagnation, asking for His direction and wisdom to navigate new paths.

b) Prayer for Strength and Courage (Joshua 1:9)
Joshua 1:9 declares, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." We pray for strength and courage to face the challenges of moving forward and to overcome any fears associated with change.

c) Prayer for Opportunity and Favour (Isaiah 22:22)
Isaiah 22:22 says, "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." We seek God’s favor and open doors of opportunity, asking Him to grant us the chance to break free from stagnation and step into new possibilities.

4. WALKING IN VICTORY AND PROGRESS

a) Living with Purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Living with purpose involves understanding and pursuing the plans God has for our lives, which leads us away from stagnation and towards fulfillment.

b) Building a Supportive Network (Ecclesiastes 4:9) 
Ecclesiastes 4:9 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." Building a supportive network of friends, mentors, and advisors helps us to stay motivated and accountable as we work to overcome stagnation and achieve our goals.

c) Celebrating Small Victories (Zechariah 4:10)
Zechariah 4:10 declares, "Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?" Celebrating small victories and progress encourages us to continue moving forward and acknowledges the steps we are taking towards greater achievements.

CONCLUSION
Breaking the yoke of stagnation requires embracing new beginnings, setting and pursuing goals, and relying on God’s guidance and strength. By renewing our minds, adapting to change, and seeking God’s favor, we can overcome the barriers that hold us back and move towards a future filled with growth and progress. Let us commit to taking proactive steps, trusting in God’s promises, and celebrating the journey of transformation.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, we pray for a fresh start and new opportunities to break free from stagnation in our lives.

2. Father, renew our minds and help us to embrace Your new beginnings with faith and expectancy.

3. O God, grant us the wisdom and guidance needed to set and achieve new goals effectively.

4. Lord, provide us with the strength and courage to face challenges and adapt to changes.

5. Father, open doors of opportunity and favor that will lead us out of stagnation and into progress.

6. O God, help us to develop new skills and improve our abilities for personal and professional growth.

7. Lord, build a supportive network around us to encourage and motivate us in our journey forward.

8. Father, let us celebrate small victories and recognize the progress we are making.

9. O God, align our plans with Your purpose and guide us towards the future You have prepared for us.

10. Lord, let Your promises of growth and advancement be fulfilled in our lives.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that God is making a way where there seems to be no way, breaking the yoke of stagnation in our lives.

2. I decree that new opportunities and pathways are opening up for us, leading us to growth and progress.

3. I proclaim that our minds are being renewed, and we are embracing the new things God is doing in our lives.

4. I declare that we are equipped with strength and courage to overcome obstacles and move forward.

5. I decree that God’s favour and open doors are leading us out of stagnation and into a season of advancement.

6. I proclaim that we are developing new skills and achieving our goals with excellence and success.

7. I declare that a supportive network is being established around us, providing encouragement and accountability.

8. I decree that small victories are celebrated and recognized, motivating us to continue our journey of progress.

9. I proclaim that our plans are aligned with God’s purpose, and we are walking in the fulfillment of His promises.

10. I declare that stagnation is broken, and we are stepping into a future of growth and prosperity.