PULLING DOWN EMBARGOES

TITLE: PULLING DOWN EMBARGOES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NKJV) – "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

Supporting Texts:
Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV) – "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me," says the Lord.

Luke 10:19 (NKJV) – "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."

INTRODUCTION:
Embargoes can be defined as restrictions or limitations imposed that prevent the flow of goods, services, or blessings. In a spiritual context, embargoes can represent barriers, hindrances, or restrictions placed by the enemy that prevent individuals from achieving their God-given potential and blessings. Today, we will explore how we can pull down these embargoes through the power of prayer, faith, and spiritual warfare.

1. IDENTIFYING SPIRITUAL EMBARGOES
Recognising the existence of embargoes in our lives is essential for breaking free.

a) Definition of Embargoes: Spiritual embargoes refer to restrictions placed by the enemy that block blessings or progress in life.

b) Signs of Embargoes: Signs may include stagnation, lack of progress, constant battles in specific areas, or recurring failures.

c) Origin of Embargoes: Some embargoes can be traced back to ancestral curses, disobedience, or unconfessed sin (Exodus 20:5).

d) The Impact of Embargoes: They can cause frustration, discouragement, and a sense of defeat in believers' lives.

Biblical Example:
The Israelites faced an embargo at the Red Sea, which seemed insurmountable until God intervened (Exodus 14:21-22).

2. THE POWER OF PRAYER IN PULLING DOWN EMBARGOES
Prayer is a vital weapon for dismantling spiritual embargoes.

a) Prayer as Warfare: Our prayers are not mere requests but powerful declarations that can shake the foundations of the enemy's strongholds (James 5:16).

b) Fasting and Prayer: Certain embargoes may require intense spiritual warfare through fasting (Matthew 17:21).

c) Persistent Prayer: The parable of the persistent widow shows the importance of not giving up in prayer (Luke 18:1-5).

d) Declaring the Word of God: Speaking God's Word is a means of breaking down strongholds (Isaiah 55:11).

Biblical Example:
Daniel prayed earnestly for 21 days, and his prayers broke the embargo that held back his answers (Daniel 10:12-13)

3. UNDERSTANDING OUR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST
As believers, we have the authority to pull down embargoes.

a) Recognising Our Identity: Understanding that we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ gives us authority (Romans 8:17).

b) Exercising Authority: We must actively exercise the authority given to us over the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-12).

c) Breaking Chains: Jesus came to set the captives free, empowering us to do the same (Luke 4:18).

d) Binding and Loosing: We have the power to bind what is not of God and to loose His blessings (Matthew 18:18).

Biblical Example:
Peter and John, through their authority in Christ, commanded healing, demonstrating the power of their faith (Acts 3:6).

4. STRATEGIES FOR PULLING DOWN EMBARGOES
Practical steps can be taken to dismantle embargoes in our lives.

a) Identify the Embargo: Recognise the specific areas where you feel restricted and bring them before God in prayer.

b) Engage in Spiritual Warfare: Use the authority given to you to declare freedom over the embargoes (2 Corinthians 10:4).

c) Seek Counsel and Support: Engage with other believers for prayer support and accountability (Proverbs 27:17).

d) Confess and Repent: Address any sin or disobedience that may have opened doors to embargoes (1 John 1:9).

Biblical Example:
The Gibeonites deceived Israel, leading to a covenant that brought restrictions. Joshua sought the Lord to rectify the situation (Joshua 9:14-15).

5. REAPING THE BENEFITS OF FREEDOM
Once embargoes are pulled down, we can experience the blessings of God.

a) Living in Abundance: God desires for us to live in His abundance, free from restrictions (John 10:10).

b) New Opportunities: Breaking embargoes can lead to new opportunities and open doors (Revelation 3:8).

c) Spiritual Growth: Freedom allows us to grow spiritually and mature in our faith (Ephesians 4:15-16).

d) Testifying of God’s Goodness: Our testimonies can encourage others facing similar struggles (Psalm 66:16).

Biblical Example:
After the walls of Jericho fell, the Israelites entered their Promised Land, fulfilling God’s promise to them (Joshua 6:20).

CONCLUSION:
Pulling down embargoes requires understanding, prayer, and the exercise of our God-given authority. As we engage in spiritual warfare and apply practical strategies, we can break free from the restrictions that hold us back. The victory is already ours through Christ, and as we declare and act on His Word, we will witness His power at work in our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, reveal to me any embargoes that are affecting my life.

2. I declare that every restriction placed upon me is broken in the name of Jesus!

3. Empower me to engage in spiritual warfare and to pray without ceasing.

4. I plead the blood of Jesus over every area of my life under embargo.

5. Surround me with supportive believers who will stand with me in prayer.

6. I confess any sins that may have opened doors to embargoes and seek Your forgiveness.

7. I exercise my authority in Christ to bind every work of the enemy.

8. Open doors of opportunity that have been closed due to embargoes in my life.

9. Let my life be a testimony of Your power to break restrictions!

10. I declare that I shall live in abundance, free from every embargo!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Every embargo placed on your life is being removed right now!

2. You will experience unprecedented freedom and breakthrough!

3. New opportunities are coming your way as embargoes fall!

4. Your testimony will encourage many who are facing restrictions!

5. You are empowered to overcome every challenge through Christ!

6. The chains that have held you back are breaking now!

7. You will thrive in the blessings of God without limitations!

8. The spirit of fear that keeps you from progressing is cast out!

9. You will walk into your Promised Land with confidence!

10. Your life will reflect the glory and goodness of God abundantly!