POWER TO COMPLETE ABANDONED PROJECTS

TITLE: POWER TO COMPLETE ABANDONED PROJECTS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Zechariah 4:6-9
Supporting Texts: Philippians 1:6, Haggai 2:4-5, Nehemiah 4:6, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 127:1

INTRODUCTION:
Many people start projects with great excitement and energy, but along the way, they face challenges, discouragement, and opposition, which may lead to abandonment. God desires to give us the power to overcome these obstacles and finish the work we have started. Just as God empowered Zerubbabel to complete the temple, He will give us the grace, strength, and wisdom to finish the assignments He has given us.

1. THE CHALLENGES OF ABANDONED PROJECTS

a) Opposition and Resistance
Zerubbabel faced opposition while rebuilding the temple, and we too may face opposition (Nehemiah 4:1-3). External forces, discouragement, and criticism often cause projects to stall.

b) Lack of Resources
Many projects are abandoned due to a lack of funds, materials, or human resources (Haggai 1:6). These practical issues can make it difficult to proceed.

c) Distraction and Loss of Focus
Proverbs 24:30-34 warns that neglect and laziness can lead to unfinished projects. Losing focus or being distracted by other things can result in the abandonment of important work.

d) Discouragement and Fatigue
Isaiah 40:29 says that God gives strength to the weary. When people grow weary or discouraged, they may give up before reaching the finish line.

Biblical Example:
The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s time faced opposition and resistance, but by the grace of God, Nehemiah and the people completed the project (Nehemiah 6:15-16).

2. GOD'S PROMISE TO COMPLETE WHAT HE STARTS

a) God’s Faithfulness to Complete
Philippians 1:6 reassures us that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." When God gives us a project, He provides the resources and strength to complete it.

b) Not by Might, but by the Spirit
Zechariah 4:6 teaches that we cannot rely on human strength or power to complete the work, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit.

c) God’s Covenant of Completion
Zechariah 4:9 declares that the hands of Zerubbabel laid the foundation, and his hands will finish it. This is a powerful promise that God is committed to seeing His plans fulfilled.

d) Divine Support and Encouragement
Haggai 2:4-5 reminds us that God is with us, encouraging us to be strong and work, knowing His Spirit is among us. This divine encouragement empowers us to keep going.

Biblical Example:
The Israelites, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, rebuilt the temple after it had been abandoned for many years. Despite challenges, they completed the project with God's help (Ezra 6:14-15).

3. FAITH AND PERSISTENCE IN COMPLETING PROJECTS

a) Faith to Overcome Obstacles
Mark 11:23 encourages us to have faith to move mountains. Faith is a key element in completing projects, as it allows us to trust God’s provision and guidance.

b) Persistence in the Face of Difficulty
Galatians 6:9 urges us not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest. Persistence and endurance are necessary to finish what we start.

c) Wisdom in Planning and Execution
Luke 14:28-30 teaches us the importance of counting the cost before starting a project. Proper planning and wisdom are essential for successfully completing any project.

d) Seeking God’s Guidance and Strength
Psalm 127:1 says that unless the Lord builds the house, the labourers work in vain. We must constantly seek God’s guidance and strength to ensure success in our projects.

Biblical Example:
Noah showed great persistence and faith in building the ark, despite ridicule and opposition. His faith and obedience to God led to the completion of a project that saved his family (Genesis 6-7).

4. RELEASING SUPERNATURAL HELP TO COMPLETE PROJECTS

a) Divine Assistance through Prayer
Jeremiah 33:3 encourages us to call on God, who promises to answer and show us great and mighty things. Prayer releases divine help and resources to complete projects.

b) God’s Provision for Completion
Philippians 4:19 assures us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Trusting in His provision helps us overcome financial and material obstacles.

c) Overcoming Opposition through Spiritual Warfare
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battle is not against flesh and blood. Spiritual warfare is essential when opposition arises, as seen in Nehemiah’s battle against the enemies of the wall.

d) Supernatural Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 tells us that we receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This power enables us to complete what God has called us to do.

Biblical Example:
Elijah, after praying for rain, persisted in faith until God sent the rain (1 Kings 18:41-45). His persistence in prayer released the supernatural help needed to complete God’s work.

5. GOD’S TIMING AND FAVOUR FOR COMPLETION

a) Understanding Divine Timing
Ecclesiastes 3:1 teaches that there is a time for everything. Recognizing and aligning with God’s timing is crucial to completing projects successfully.

b) Favour for Completion
Psalm 102:13 says God will arise and have mercy, for the set time to favour us has come. Favour opens doors and accelerates the completion of God-ordained projects.

c) Avoiding Procrastination
Proverbs 6:9-11 warns against procrastination, which can cause delays. We must act when God gives the green light and avoid unnecessary postponements.

d) Celebrating Small Victories
Zechariah 4:10 encourages us not to despise the day of small beginnings. Recognizing and celebrating small milestones can keep us motivated toward the final goal.

Biblical Example:
In the rebuilding of the temple, the work was delayed for years, but when the time of favour came, God accelerated the process, and the work was completed (Haggai 1:13-15).

CONCLUSION:
God desires to give us the power to complete any project or task we have started. With faith, persistence, and reliance on His Spirit, we can overcome opposition, lack, and discouragement. Just as Zerubbabel completed the temple, we too will finish what God has placed in our hands by His grace.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, empower me to complete every project I have started.

2. Father, release divine resources for the completion of my abandoned projects.

3. Lord, give me the grace to overcome every form of opposition and resistance

4. Father, restore every project that has been abandoned due to discouragement or lack.

5. Lord, give me the wisdom and strength to finish well in every area of my life.

6. Father, align me with Your timing for the completion of my projects.

7. Lord, release supernatural favour for the acceleration of my work.

8. Father, give me persistence and faith to see every project through to completion.

9. Lord, let Your Holy Spirit empower me to overcome every obstacle.

10. Father, I declare that I will finish strong, by Your grace and power.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that every abandoned project in my life will receive new life and be completed.

2. I prophesy that the favour of God will open doors for the completion of my projects.

3. I declare that every resource needed for completion is released now in Jesus’ name.

4. I decree that opposition and resistance to my projects are broken in the name of Jesus.

5. I declare that I will finish well by the power of the Holy Spirit.

6. I prophesy that every project delayed or abandoned will be accelerated in God’s timing.

7. I declare that I will not grow weary or discouraged; I will complete what I have started.

8. I decree that every hindrance to the completion of my work is removed in Jesus’ name.

9. I declare that divine assistance and supernatural help are released for my projects.

10. I prophesy that by God’s grace, I will see the fulfilment of every God-given assignment in my life.

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This sermon on "Power to Complete Abandoned Projects" encourages believers to trust in God’s strength and timing to complete their tasks and projects