BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO OPEN HEAVENS

Title: BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO OPEN HEAVENS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 17:20
"If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Supporting Texts: Daniel 10:12-13, Isaiah 58:6-9, Hebrews 12:1-2, James 5:16, Luke 18:1-8

INTRODUCTION:
Open heavens signify divine access, blessings, and unrestrained encounters with God. However, barriers often stand in the way of experiencing open heavens. These barriers can be spiritual, emotional, or physical. In this message, we will explore how to identify and overcome these obstacles to ensure that the heavens remain open over our lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE BARRIERS TO OPEN HEAVENS

a) Spiritual Barriers (Sin and Disobedience):
Sin and disobedience create a blockage between us and God, preventing His blessings from flowing (Isaiah 59:1-2).

b) Emotional Barriers (Unforgiveness and Bitterness):
Emotional wounds, unforgiveness, and bitterness hinder God's favour and blessings (Matthew 18:21-35).

c) Physical Barriers (Poverty and Lack of Resources):
Physical constraints like financial struggles or illness can seem like barriers to receiving divine blessings (2 Corinthians 8:9).

d) Mental Barriers (Doubt and Unbelief):
Doubt and unbelief prevent us from receiving from God, as faith is a key to accessing His promises (James 1:6-7).

e) Biblical Example:
In Daniel 10, Daniel’s prayers were delayed because of a spiritual barrier—the prince of Persia. Only after 21 days did the angel break through (Daniel 10:12-13).

2. HOW SPIRITUAL BARRIERS BLOCK OPEN HEAVENS

a) Unrepentant Sin:
Sin separates us from God and hinders divine access (Isaiah 59:2).

b) Idolatry and False Worship:
Turning to idols or false gods prevents the flow of God’s blessings (Jeremiah 11:14).

c) Disobedience to God’s Word:
Not following God’s commands creates a barrier to divine intervention (Deuteronomy 28:15-16).

d) Lack of Prayer and Fasting:
A prayerless life prevents us from accessing the blessings that come through intimacy with God (Luke 18:1).

e) Biblical Example:
King Saul’s disobedience and rebellion led to the withdrawal of God’s presence, blocking his access to divine favour (1 Samuel 15:23).

3. HOW EMOTIONAL BARRIERS HINDER OPEN HEAVENS

a) Unforgiveness:
Holding on to grudges prevents us from receiving God’s forgiveness and blessings (Matthew 6:14-15).

b) Bitterness and Resentment:
Bitterness defiles the soul and creates an emotional blockage to divine access (Hebrews 12:15).

c) Negative Mindset:
Negative thinking and self-pity create barriers to receiving God’s promises of prosperity and success (Proverbs 23:7).

d) Fear and Anxiety:
Fear and anxiety can limit God’s work in our lives, blocking the flow of blessings (Matthew 6:25-34).

e) Biblical Example:
The children of Israel’s fear and complaints in the wilderness prevented them from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 14:1-4).

4. HOW PHYSICAL BARRIERS BLOCK OPEN HEAVENS

a) Financial Constraints:
Poverty and financial struggles can hinder access to blessings and opportunities (Deuteronomy 28:12).

b) Sickness and Disease:
Physical health issues can limit your ability to receive from God (Matthew 9:20-22).

c) Exhaustion and Weariness:
Physical tiredness or burnout can weaken your spiritual focus and hinder divine encounters (Matthew 11:28-30).

d) Negative Environmental Influence:
Living in an environment of negativity, strife, or spiritual dryness can block God’s flow of blessings (Psalm 1:1-3).

e) Biblical Example:
The woman with the issue of blood faced a physical barrier, but her persistent faith led to her healing and the opening of the heavens for her (Mark 5:25-34).

5. BREAKING THROUGH THE BARRIERS TO OPEN HEAVENS

a) Repentance and Obedience:
Repentance restores access to God’s favour, and obedience to His Word opens the heavens (2 Chronicles 7:14).

b) Forgiveness and Healing of Emotions:
Letting go of unforgiveness and bitterness releases God’s blessings in your life (Mark 11:25-26).

c) Persistent Prayer and Faith:
Consistent prayer, fasting, and faith break through spiritual barriers (Matthew 17:21, James 5:16).

d) Living a Life of Worship and Praise:
A lifestyle of worship attracts God’s presence and opens the heavens (Psalm 100:4).

e) Biblical Example:
The persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 overcame the barrier of delay and lack of justice by her relentless prayer and faith.

CONCLUSION:
Breaking the barriers to open heavens requires deliberate action to deal with spiritual, emotional, and physical obstacles. Through repentance, faith, forgiveness, and persistent prayer, we can overcome every hindrance and enjoy continuous access to God’s blessings and divine favour.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I repent of any sin that has hindered the flow of blessings in my life.

2. Father, remove every emotional barrier of unforgiveness and bitterness in my heart.

3. Lord, break the physical barriers that are limiting my progress and breakthrough.

4. Father, give me the strength to forgive and release all those who have hurt me.

5. Lord, I cast out every spirit of fear and anxiety in my life.

6. Father, break every financial and material barrier that hinders my access to prosperity.

7. Lord, restore my health and remove any sickness that is limiting my potential.

8. Father, let Your favour flow abundantly into my life, removing every hindrance.

9. Lord, strengthen my faith and help me to persist in prayer until breakthrough comes.

10. Father, let Your heavens open over me and bring divine blessings and favour.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that every barrier to your breakthrough is broken in Jesus' name.

2. Every emotional pain and unforgiveness blocking your blessings is healed today.

3. You will experience an overflow of divine provision and breakthrough.

4. Every physical sickness and disease blocking your access to divine health is healed.

5. Every financial constraint is removed, and you shall prosper in all your ways.

6. Your life will attract divine favour, and you will experience open heavens.

7. The heavens are open over your family and ministry for divine intervention.

8. Your prayers will no longer be hindered, and you will experience immediate answers.

9. Every spiritual block to your progress is removed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

10. From today, you will walk under the open heavens of God’s favour and blessing.