POWERS AGAINST ENEMIES OF PROGRESS

Title: POWER AGAINST ENEMIES OF PROGRESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Nehemiah 4:1-9 
Supporting Texts: Psalm 35:1-8, Isaiah 54:17, 2 Corinthians 10:4

INTRODUCTION 
Every child of God has a divine mandate to progress in life, fulfilling God's purpose and destiny. However, there are forces—both spiritual and physical—working to hinder that progress. These "enemies of progress" attempt to block, delay, or derail the plans God has for us. In today’s message, we will explore how to identify and defeat these enemies through the power of God.

1. IDENTIFYING ENEMIES OF PROGRESS 

a) Spiritual Forces
There are unseen forces working against the children of God. These are principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). Their goal is to frustrate God's plans in our lives.

b) Human Opposers
Sometimes, enemies of progress come in the form of people—those who are envious, jealous, or simply opposed to your success. These people may actively work to sabotage your progress.

Biblical Example: Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:1-3) 
When Nehemiah set out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Sanballat and Tobiah opposed him, mocking and attempting to stop the work. Yet, Nehemiah’s persistence in prayer and strategy led to victory.

2. STRATEGIES OF ENEMIES OF PROGRESS 

a) Discouragement and Fear 
One of the primary tactics of enemies of progress is to bring fear and discouragement. By making you doubt God’s plan, they aim to weaken your resolve.

b) Delays and Distractions
Enemies of progress often cause delays or introduce distractions to slow down or completely derail your movement towards fulfilling your destiny.

Biblical Example: Israelites in the Wilderness (Numbers 14:1-4) 
When the Israelites were on the verge of entering the Promised Land, fear and discouragement from ten of the spies delayed their journey for 40 years. The enemy used fear to paralyze their progress.

3. WEAPONS TO OVERCOME ENEMIES OF PROGRESS 

a) The Word of God 
The Word of God is a powerful weapon against the enemies of progress. As Jesus overcame Satan's temptations by declaring the Word (Matthew 4:4), so can we use Scripture to combat hindrances.

b) Fervent Prayer
Prayer is essential in fighting against the enemies of progress. James 5:16 reminds us that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. Nehemiah turned to prayer to overcome opposition and continue the work.

Biblical Example: Daniel’s Prayer (Daniel 10:12-13) 
When Daniel prayed for understanding, the prince of Persia delayed the angelic response for 21 days. Through persistent prayer, Daniel prevailed, and the message was delivered.

4. DIVINE PROTECTION AND FAVOUR 

a) God Fights for Us
When faced with opposition, remember that God is on our side. Psalm 35:1 calls upon the Lord to contend with those who contend against us. His divine intervention ensures that no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

b) Favour Opens Doors
Despite the opposition, God’s favor can cause doors to open that no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). With God's favor, the enemies of progress cannot stop what He has planned for your life.

Biblical Example:  Joseph’s Journey (Genesis 50:20) 
Though Joseph faced numerous enemies of progress—his brothers, Potiphar’s wife, and imprisonment—God’s favor ultimately lifted him to a position of authority, fulfilling his destiny.

5. PERSEVERANCE IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION 

a) Stay Focused on the Goal
Enemies of progress seek to derail your focus, but by keeping your eyes on the goal and trusting God’s promises, you will overcome.

b) Keep Moving Forward
The key to defeating enemies of progress is persistence. Like Nehemiah, we must continue to build and work, knowing that God is with us.

Biblical Example:  Paul’s Ministry (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) 
Paul faced immense opposition, yet he declared that though he was “hard-pressed on every side,” he was not crushed. His perseverance allowed him to fulfill his divine mission.

CONCLUSION 
Enemies of progress will always attempt to block your path, but with the power of God, you can overcome them. By using the Word of God, fervent prayer, and divine protection, you will break through every barrier and move forward in your destiny. Stay focused, persevere, and trust in God’s promises—victory is assured!

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Father, contend with those who contend with me. 

2. Lord, dismantle every spiritual force working against my progress. 

3. Father, silence every human opposer standing in my way. 

4. Lord, give me strength to overcome fear and discouragement. 

5. Father, remove every delay and distraction hindering my progress. 

6. Lord, empower me to declare Your Word over my life and situation. 

7. Father, let Your divine protection surround me at all times. 

8. Lord, open doors of favor for me in places of opposition. 

9. Father, give me the perseverance to push through every obstacle. 

10. Lord, let Your power destroy every enemy of my progress.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. I declare that every enemy of your progress is destroyed in Jesus' name. 

2. You shall overcome every obstacle standing in your way. 

3. I declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. 

4. You will advance in every area of your life, unhindered by opposition. 

5. The favour of God will open doors for you that no enemy can shut. 

6. I prophesy divine protection over your life, family, and destiny.
 
7. Every delay and distraction sent to derail you is removed in Jesus' name. 

8. You will walk in divine breakthrough and success. 

9. I declare that you are unstoppable by the power of God. 

10. Your testimony will be that of victory over every enemy of progress!