NO ONE WILL TAKE MY PLACE

NO ONE WILL TAKE MY PLACE
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: Revelation 3:11, Matthew 25:28, Acts 1:20, Esther 4:14

INTRODUCTION
God raises people to fulfil divine assignments, but when a person fails in their God-given purpose, He can replace them. Saul was anointed as the first king of Israel, but his disobedience led to his rejection, and David was chosen in his place. This shows that no one is indispensable before God.

However, it is not God's desire to replace people. He gives grace, warnings, and opportunities for repentance. Sadly, some take their divine position for granted, like Esau, who lost his birthright (Hebrews 12:16-17). Others, like Judas, failed to walk faithfully and were replaced (Acts 1:20).

As believers, we must be diligent and faithful in our calling so that no one will take our place. We must guard against spiritual complacency, disobedience, and pride, ensuring that we walk in alignment with God's purpose for our lives.

1. GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR EVERYONE

Every believer has a unique role to play in God's divine plan.

a) God Created You for a Purpose
Jeremiah 1:5 says, "Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee." No one else can fulfil your divine assignment like you.

b) God Equips Those He Calls
God never gives an assignment without providing the grace to accomplish it (Exodus 4:10-12).

c) God’s Plan for You is Irreplaceable
Esther was told that if she refused to act, deliverance would come from another place, but she would miss her destiny (Esther 4:14).

d) God’s Purpose Requires Faithfulness
1 Corinthians 4:2 states, "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."

e) Biblical Example: Moses and Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8)
Moses was chosen to lead Israel, but when he failed to honour God before the people, Joshua took his place.

2. DANGERS OF LOSING YOUR DIVINE POSITION

Failure to remain faithful can lead to divine replacement.

a) Disobedience to God’s Instructions
Saul lost his throne because he disobeyed God's clear command (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

b) Spiritual Laziness and Complacency
The servant who buried his talent had it taken and given to another (Matthew 25:28-29).

c) Pride and Self-Glorification
Nebuchadnezzar lost his throne for a season because he took glory for himself (Daniel 4:30-31).

d) Refusal to Repent and Change
Esau lost his birthright because he despised it and later found no place for repentance (Hebrews 12:16-17).

e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:20)
Judas lost his apostleship due to betrayal, and Matthias was chosen in his place.

3. HOW TO ENSURE NO ONE TAKES YOUR PLACE

To remain in God’s divine plan, we must stay faithful and spiritually alert.

a) Remain Humble and Dependent on God
James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

b) Stay Committed to Your Divine Assignment
Paul declared in Acts 20:24 that he would finish his race with joy.

c) Guard Against Sin and Disobedience
Isaiah 59:2 states that sin separates us from God. We must walk in obedience.

d) Be Watchful and Prayerful
Jesus warned in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation."

e) Biblical Example: Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Paul remained faithful to his calling until the end and was assured of his crown.

4. THE REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS

Those who remain faithful to their divine assignment receive eternal rewards.

a) God Rewards Faithful Servants
Jesus promised rewards to those who are faithful (Matthew 25:21).

b) You Secure Your Place in God’s Kingdom
Revelation 3:11 warns, "Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."

c) Divine Protection and Favour
Psalm 91:14-16 promises long life and salvation for those who love God.

d) A Crown of Glory Awaits the Faithful
1 Peter 5:4 speaks of a "crown of glory that fadeth not away."

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Faithfulness (Daniel 6:3-28)
Daniel remained faithful despite opposition, and God preserved and promoted him.

CONCLUSION

God has a divine assignment for each of us, and He expects us to fulfil it. However, when people fail in their calling, God can replace them with someone else. We must remain humble, faithful, and obedient to ensure that no one takes our place. Every believer must be watchful and prayerful, holding fast to what God has given them so they do not lose their position in the kingdom.

PRAYER POINTS

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

2.  Every spirit of disobedience and complacency, be destroyed in my life.

3.  Father, let me never lose my place in Your kingdom.

4.  Lord, give me the grace to walk in obedience and humility.

5.  I reject every spirit of spiritual laziness and carelessness.

6.  O Lord, deliver me from anything that will make You replace me.

7.  Father, let me fulfil my divine purpose without failure.

8.  Holy Spirit, keep me spiritually alert and sensitive.

9.  Lord, let my crown and my reward never be given to another.

10.  I receive grace to finish well and strong in Jesus' name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  You will not lose your place in God’s divine plan.

2.  No one will take your crown, and your destiny shall not be aborted.

3.  The Lord will empower you to fulfil your divine assignment.

4.  Every plan of the enemy to replace you is cancelled in Jesus' name.

5.  You shall be faithful, and your reward shall not be given to another.

6.  Your place in God’s kingdom is secure, and your position shall not be lost.

7.  You will walk in obedience and receive divine promotion.

8.  The spirit of excellence shall rest upon you like Daniel.

9.  You will finish your race and receive your eternal crown.

10.  No power shall remove you from your place of divine purpose.

Stay faithful, and no one will take your place in Jesus’ name!