DIVINE ADVANCEMENT

Title: DIVINE ADVANCEMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 75:6-7
“For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.”

Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 2:7, Proverbs 4:18, Isaiah 40:31, Philippians 3:13-14, 2 Corinthians 9:8

INTRODUCTION:
Divine advancement refers to the progress, promotion, and elevation that come from God. It is a process through which God moves us forward in life, ministry, career, relationships, and every other area of our lives according to His will and purpose. Unlike worldly advancement, which often depends on one's abilities or connections, divine advancement comes through God’s grace and timing. It is the Lord who raises up and sets down, bringing us to a place of greater influence, success, and impact.

1. UNDERSTANDING DIVINE ADVANCEMENT

a) Advancement as a Gift from God:
God is the one who determines the seasons of advancement in our lives. We must rely on Him for promotion and progress (Psalm 75:6-7).

b) Advancement in His Timing:
Divine advancement occurs according to God’s perfect timing, not our own understanding or plans (1 Samuel 2:7).

c) Advancement Through His Strength:
God provides the strength, wisdom, and resources needed to move forward in life (Isaiah 40:31).

d) Spiritual and Physical Advancement:
God’s plan for our advancement encompasses both spiritual growth and earthly success (Proverbs 4:18).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph's advancement from the prison to the palace was entirely orchestrated by God, as He raised him up at the appointed time (Genesis 41:14-44).

2. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVINE ADVANCEMENT

a) Grace-Based Promotion:
Divine advancement is not earned but is granted through God’s unmerited grace (2 Corinthians 9:8).

b) Supernatural Acceleration:
When God advances you, there is often a supernatural speed to your progress, going beyond natural limitations (Isaiah 40:31).

c) Direction from God:
Divine advancement is not just about moving forward but being directed in the right path according to God's purpose for your life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

d) Empowerment to Succeed:
God empowers us with the ability and resources needed to succeed and thrive in the areas He is advancing us (Philippians 4:13).

e) Biblical Example:
Esther’s rise to prominence as queen was divinely orchestrated to save her people, showing how God’s plan of advancement can be connected to a higher purpose (Esther 4:14).

3. THE BENEFITS OF DIVINE ADVANCEMENT

a) Increased Influence and Impact:
Divine advancement brings greater influence, allowing us to impact more lives and bring glory to God (Psalm 75:6).

b) Fulfillment of Purpose:
With advancement comes the fulfillment of God’s calling and purpose for our lives (Philippians 3:13-14).

c) Financial and Material Provision:
As God advances us, He also provides the financial and material resources necessary for our success (Deuteronomy 28:12).

d) Breakthrough in Challenges:
Divine advancement often involves breakthroughs in areas where we have previously struggled, as God gives us victory (1 Samuel 2:7).

e) Biblical Example:
David’s advancement from shepherd to king demonstrates how God provides not only promotion but also the power to overcome obstacles (1 Samuel 16:13).

4. HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR DIVINE ADVANCEMENT

a) Stay Humble and Trust in God:
Humility and trust in God’s timing are key to receiving divine advancement (James 4:10).

b) Seek God’s Will Above All Else:
Advancement comes as we align ourselves with God’s will and purpose (Matthew 6:33).

c) Be Faithful in Little Things:
Faithfulness in the small things is often the key to promotion in God’s kingdom (Luke 16:10).

d) Stay Committed to Personal Growth:
Continuous personal and spiritual development positions us for greater advancement (2 Peter 3:18).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel’s faithfulness in serving God in a foreign land led to his advancement and influence in the Babylonian kingdom (Daniel 6:3).

5. THE IMPACT OF DIVINE ADVANCEMENT IN OUR LIVES

a) Glory to God’s Name:
When God advances us, the glory goes back to Him, as He alone is the one who lifts us up (Psalm 75:7).

b) Opening Doors for Others:
Our advancement becomes a door of opportunity for others, enabling them to progress as well (Psalm 23:5).

c) Preparation for Greater Responsibilities:
Divine advancement prepares us for greater responsibilities and leadership roles (Luke 19:17).

d) Testimony of God’s Faithfulness:
Our lives become a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness as He advances us (Psalm 71:15).

e) Biblical Example:
The apostle Paul’s advancement in ministry brought about the spread of the gospel and the growth of the early church, impacting countless lives (Acts 9:15).

CONCLUSION:
Divine advancement is a wonderful manifestation of God’s favor and plan for our lives. It is through His grace that we are promoted and moved forward in every area of our lives. As we trust in His timing, seek His will, and remain faithful, we can experience supernatural advancement that brings glory to His name and fulfills His purposes for us.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I thank You for the divine advancement You have planned for my life.

2. Lord, position me for supernatural promotion in every area of my life.

3. I declare that I will move forward and never backward in Jesus’ name.

4. Father, empower me with the strength and wisdom needed for divine advancement.

5. Lord, help me to stay humble and trust Your perfect timing for my promotion.

6. I ask for favor and grace to excel in all my endeavors.

7. Father, open doors of opportunity for me that will lead to advancement.

8. Help me to remain faithful in the small things, knowing that You will promote me.

9. Lord, I pray for the resources and support needed to fulfill the advancement You have ordained for me.

10. Father, I give You all the glory for the advancement that is coming into my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. God is elevating you to new levels of influence and impact in your field.

2. Divine advancement is coming your way, and no one will be able to stop it.

3. The Lord is opening doors of promotion that no man can shut.

4. You are moving forward in God’s perfect timing, and your progress will be unstoppable.

5. God’s favor is positioning you for supernatural breakthroughs and success.

6. Every area of stagnation in your life is being broken today, and you are advancing.

7. You will experience an acceleration in your career, ministry, and relationships.

8. Divine opportunities are coming your way, and you will not miss them.

9. You will be a testimony of God’s faithfulness in advancing His people.

10. The grace of God is multiplying in your life, and you will rise to greater heights.