GOD HAS STANDBY SUBSTITUTES

GOD HAS STANDBY SUBSTITUTES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:1
"And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons."

Supporting Texts: Esther 4:14, Matthew 25:28, Acts 1:20

INTRODUCTION
God is sovereign and always has a plan. No man is indispensable in His divine agenda. When a person refuses to obey God, He raises another to take their place. Saul was chosen as king, but his disobedience led to his rejection, and God had already prepared David as a substitute. This principle applies not only to leadership but also to every divine assignment.

Throughout history, people have lost their positions, callings, and opportunities because of rebellion, complacency, or negligence. However, God’s work does not stop. He always has prepared vessels who are ready to take up the responsibility. Mordecai warned Esther that if she refused to act, God would raise another to deliver the Jews (Esther 4:14).

This message serves as a reminder that we must take our divine assignments seriously. We must never assume that we are irreplaceable, for God always has standby substitutes who are willing and ready to fulfil His will.

1. GOD NEVER LACKS A REPLACEMENT

God’s work does not depend on any single individual. He always has others prepared to step in.

a) God’s Purpose Must Be Fulfilled
Isaiah 46:10 reminds us that God's counsel shall stand. His plans will never be hindered by human failure.

b) Disobedience Leads to Replacement
Saul’s downfall came through disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23). When we fail to obey God, we risk being replaced.

c) God’s Kingdom is Bigger Than Any Individual
Elijah thought he was the only prophet left, but God told him He had 7,000 others (1 Kings 19:18). No one is indispensable.

d) God Prepares Substitutes in Advance
Before Saul was fully rejected, David was already anointed as king (1 Samuel 16:12-13). God always has people in waiting.

e) Biblical Example: Saul and David (1 Samuel 16:1)
Saul was king, but when he disobeyed, God raised David as his substitute.

2. REASONS PEOPLE GET REPLACED IN GOD’S WORK

When people lose their place in God’s plan, it is usually due to their own actions.

a) Disobedience to Divine Instructions
When God gives a command, failure to obey can result in replacement (1 Samuel 15:23).

b) Pride and Self-Exaltation
Nebuchadnezzar was humbled because of his pride (Daniel 4:30-32). Those who take God’s glory will lose their position.

c) Lack of Commitment and Faithfulness
Jesus warned about unfaithful servants being cast out (Matthew 25:26-30). God rewards diligence.

d) Spiritual Laziness and Complacency
Esau lost his birthright because he despised it (Hebrews 12:16). When we take God’s grace for granted, we can lose it.

e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20)
Judas betrayed Jesus and was replaced by Matthias as an apostle.

3. HOW TO AVOID BEING REPLACED

Remaining relevant in God’s plan requires humility, obedience, and a heart for God.

a) Stay Humble and Dependent on God
James 4:6 says God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humility keeps us in divine favour.

b) Be Faithful in Your Assignment
1 Corinthians 4:2 states that stewards must be faithful. Consistency is key to sustaining divine relevance.

c) Obey God Promptly
Delayed obedience is disobedience. We must obey God without hesitation (Genesis 22:3).

d) Remain Spiritually Active and Watchful
Revelation 3:11 warns us to hold fast so no one takes our crown. We must stay vigilant.

e) Biblical Example: Esther (Esther 4:14)
Esther seized the opportunity to act, ensuring that she remained relevant in God’s plan.

4. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE IS REPLACED?

When God replaces a person, it often comes with regret and missed opportunities.

a) They Lose Their Divine Position
Saul lost his kingship, and God’s Spirit departed from him (1 Samuel 16:14).

b) Their Influence and Impact Diminish
When Samson compromised, he lost his strength and became a mockery (Judges 16:20-21).

c) They Experience Spiritual Emptiness
Judas, after betraying Jesus, was filled with sorrow and took his own life (Matthew 27:5).

d) Another Takes Their Reward
Matthew 25:28 shows how the talent of the unfaithful servant was given to another.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14)
After God rejected Saul, David rose to prominence, while Saul faded into irrelevance.

CONCLUSION
God’s plan will always prevail, with or without us. If we refuse to align with His purpose, He will raise someone else to take our place. This is a warning for all believers to take their calling seriously. We must remain obedient, faithful, and humble to ensure that we do not lose our divine position.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Lord, help me to remain faithful in my divine assignment.

2.  Father, deliver me from every spirit of disobedience.

3.  Holy Spirit, empower me to fulfil my destiny without failure.

4.  Lord, keep me from spiritual complacency and laziness.

5.  Father, may I never be replaced in my divine purpose.

6.  Lord, give me the grace to obey You fully and promptly.

7.   Holy Spirit, open my eyes to any area where I am failing in my calling.

8.  Father, preserve my position and make me a vessel of honour.

9.  Lord, let me finish well and strong in Jesus’ name.

10.  I reject every force working against my relevance in God’s kingdom.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  I declare that I will not lose my place in God’s plan.

2.  I will remain faithful and obedient to my divine assignment.

3. No one shall take my crown, and my destiny shall not be aborted.

4.  I receive the grace to walk in divine relevance all my days.

5.  I shall be a vessel of honour, fit for the Master’s use.

6.  I will not be counted among those who were replaced.

7.  My position in God’s kingdom is secured by His grace.

8.  I declare that I will fulfil my purpose without failure.

9.  Every plan of the enemy to push me out of God’s will is destroyed.

10.  I am chosen, anointed, and established in my divine calling.

This sermon serves as a strong reminder that no one is indispensable in God's kingdom. We must remain faithful, obedient, and diligent in our assignments.