THE HAND OF GOD UPON ME

THE HAND OF GOD UPON ME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 9:1-5

Key Verse: “And Ezra came to Jerusalem according to the good hand of his God upon him.” (Ezra 7:9b)

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 3:24; Ezra 7:6; Acts 13:11

Description: The hand of God upon a man represents His power, favour, protection, and enablement working in that person’s life to accomplish divine purposes.

INTRODUCTION:
The Scriptures reveal that the hand of God is a symbol of His power and presence in the life of His people. When God’s hand comes upon a man, extraordinary things begin to happen. Ordinary men become vessels of divine exploits because the hand of God empowers, protects, and establishes them.

In Exodus 9:1-5, God’s mighty hand was revealed against Pharaoh to deliver Israel from bondage. In Deuteronomy 3:24, Moses testified of God’s great hand that wrought mighty works. Ezra enjoyed the good hand of God upon him for success in his mission, and Paul in Acts 13:6–11 demonstrated the hand of the Lord against Elymas the sorcerer.

Therefore, to say “the hand of God is upon me” is to confess that God’s power is actively working in my life for victory, preservation, and fulfilment of destiny.

1. THE HAND OF GOD IS A HAND OF POWER
The hand of God represents His mighty power at work in human affairs.

a) Power to Deliver (Exodus 9:3): God’s hand broke Pharaoh’s resistance and brought His people out of Egypt.

b) Power to Perform Wonders (Deuteronomy 3:24): Moses recognised that God’s hand performs great acts that no one else can do.

c) Power to Overthrow the Enemy (Psalm 118:16): The right hand of the Lord does valiantly and brings victory to His people.

d) Power to Heal and Restore (Acts 4:30): Through the hand of God, miracles, signs, and wonders are done in the name of Jesus.

Biblical Example: When Israel faced Pharaoh at the Red Sea, the hand of God parted the waters and delivered them with mighty power (Exodus 14:21).

2. THE HAND OF GOD IS A HAND OF FAVOUR
The hand of God brings divine favour and open doors to those who carry His presence.

a) Favour for Success (Ezra 7:6): Ezra prospered in his mission because the hand of the Lord was upon him.

b) Favour Before Kings (Ezra 7:27-28): The hand of God moved the heart of the king to grant Ezra everything he needed.

c) Favour that Opens Doors (Nehemiah 2:8): Nehemiah testified that the king granted him requests because the good hand of God was upon him.

d) Favour for Divine Guidance (Psalm 32:8): God’s hand directs us to the right places and opportunities.

Biblical Example: Joseph received favour in Potiphar’s house, in prison, and before Pharaoh because God’s hand rested on him (Genesis 39:21).

3. THE HAND OF GOD IS A HAND OF PRESERVATION
When God’s hand rests on a person, no evil can overpower them.

a) Preservation from Evil (Ezra 8:31): Ezra testified that God’s hand delivered them from enemies along the way.

b) Preservation from Affliction (Psalm 41:2): God preserves His own and keeps them alive by His mighty hand.

c) Preservation in Danger (Isaiah 41:10): The Lord promises to uphold His people with His righteous right hand.

d) Preservation of Destiny (Psalm 121:7-8): God’s hand preserves our going out and coming in, securing our future.

Biblical Example: Daniel was preserved in the lions’ den by the invisible hand of God that shut the lions’ mouths (Daniel 6:22).

4. THE HAND OF GOD IS A HAND OF JUDGEMENT
God’s hand not only blesses His people but also executes judgement against their enemies.

a) Hand Against the Wicked (Exodus 9:3): The hand of God came upon Pharaoh’s livestock in judgement.

b) Hand of Correction (Acts 13:11): Elymas was struck with blindness by the hand of the Lord for resisting the gospel.

c) Hand Against Nations (1 Samuel 5:6): The hand of the Lord was heavy upon the Philistines when they took the Ark.

d) Hand that Exposes Evil (Job 12:9): The hand of the Lord reveals His works and uncovers the schemes of men.

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira experienced God’s hand of judgement when they lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:5, 10).

5. THE HAND OF GOD IS A HAND OF ENABLEMENT
God’s hand equips and strengthens His people to fulfil their divine assignments.

a) Empowerment for Service (1 Kings 18:46): The hand of the Lord came upon Elijah and gave him supernatural speed.

b) Strength for Warfare (Psalm 144:1): God’s hand trains our hands for battle and our fingers for war.

c) Boldness for Ministry (Acts 4:29-31): With God’s hand, the disciples spoke the Word with boldness.

d) Divine Inspiration (Ezekiel 37:1): The hand of the Lord carried Ezekiel into visions and revelations.

Biblical Example: Gideon was enabled by the hand of God to defeat the Midianites even with a small army (Judges 7:7).

CONCLUSION:
The hand of God is a hand of power, favour, preservation, judgement, and enablement. When His hand is upon you, doors open, enemies are silenced, and your destiny is preserved. No man can stop the operations of God’s hand in the life of a believer.

Our prayer should be, “Lord, let Your hand rest upon me continually.” When the hand of God is upon you, your story cannot remain the same.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, let Your mighty hand rest upon me and my family.
2. Father, let Your hand deliver me from every form of bondage.
3. Lord, let Your hand of favour open new doors for me.
4. Father, preserve my life and destiny by Your hand.
5. Lord, let Your hand shield me from every hidden danger.
6. Father, let Your hand enable me for divine assignment.
7. Lord, let Your hand fight against those who rise against me.
8. Father, let Your hand bring healing and restoration into my life.
9. Lord, let Your hand lift me to new levels of grace and glory.
10. Father, let Your hand preserve my faith till the end.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. The mighty hand of God shall rest upon you for victory.
2. You shall enjoy divine favour wherever you go.
3. The hand of God shall preserve you from all evil.
4. You shall see your enemies defeated by the hand of the Lord.
5. The hand of God shall enable you to do great exploits.
6. You shall be lifted above every limitation by His hand.
7. The hand of God shall fight battles you cannot see.
8. You shall experience open doors by the hand of the Almighty.
9. Every yoke in your life is broken by the hand of God.
10. You shall finish your race strong under the mighty hand of God.