BREAKING BARRIERS THROUGH FAITH

BREAKING BARRIERS THROUGH FAITH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 15:21-28

Key Verse: “Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” (Matthew 15:28)

Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:22-24, Romans 10:17, Luke 18:1-8, Ephesians 3:20

Description: This study reveals how persistent and unwavering faith can overcome limitations, opposition, delays, and impossible situations, leading believers into divine breakthroughs and miracles.

INTRODUCTION

Matthew chapter 15 presents the remarkable story of the Canaanite woman whose daughter was grievously oppressed by a demon. As a Gentile woman approaching a Jewish Messiah, she faced several barriers: cultural barriers, spiritual opposition, discouragement, delay, and apparent rejection. Yet, she refused to allow any obstacle to stop her from reaching Jesus.

Her persistence, humility, and unwavering faith eventually moved Jesus to commend her publicly and grant her request. This powerful account teaches believers that faith has the ability to break barriers that appear impossible in the natural realm.

Many people today face barriers such as fear, delay, rejection, financial hardship, sickness, family problems, spiritual battles, and closed doors. However, through genuine faith in God, every limitation can be overcome and every mountain can be removed.

Faith does not deny the existence of obstacles; rather, it believes that God is greater than every obstacle.

1. FAITH RECOGNISES JESUS AS THE SOURCE OF SOLUTIONS

True faith begins by turning completely to Christ.

a) The Canaanite woman cried unto Jesus for mercy (Matthew 15:22)
She recognised that human efforts and natural solutions could not deliver her daughter from oppression, so she turned fully to Christ.

b) Faith acknowledges God’s power over impossible situations (Jeremiah 32:27)
Genuine faith believes that nothing is too difficult for God regardless of how hopeless circumstances may appear.

c) Faith looks beyond human limitations to divine ability (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Believers are called to walk by faith rather than becoming controlled by visible situations or negative reports.

d) Confidence in Christ strengthens perseverance during difficult seasons (Hebrews 11:6)
Those who truly believe God’s power remain steadfast even when answers seem delayed.

Biblical Example:
Blind Bartimaeus ignored the crowd and cried persistently unto Jesus because he believed Christ alone could restore his sight (Mark 10:46-52).

2. FAITH OVERCOMES DELAYS AND DISCOURAGEMENT

Persistent faith refuses to surrender despite opposition.

a) Jesus initially answered the woman with silence (Matthew 15:23)
Delayed responses often test the strength, sincerity, and endurance of faith.

b) The disciples attempted to send her away (Matthew 15:23)
Sometimes discouragement comes through people, criticism, or circumstances designed to weaken determination and hope.

c) Faith remains steadfast even when situations appear unchanged (Romans 4:18-21)
Abraham continued believing God despite impossible circumstances and eventually received the promised miracle.

d) Persistent prayer demonstrates confidence in God’s faithfulness (Luke 18:1)
Believers must continue praying and trusting without losing heart during difficult moments.

Biblical Example:
The persistent widow continued seeking justice until her request was granted, illustrating the importance of unwavering faith and perseverance (Luke 18:2-8).

3. HUMILITY STRENGTHENS BREAKTHROUGH FAITH

Humility positions believers to receive God’s mercy and intervention.

a) The woman worshipped Jesus humbly despite discouraging statements (Matthew 15:25-27)
Her humility prevented offence and kept her heart focused upon receiving help from Christ.

b) Pride often hinders faith and spiritual growth (James 4:6)
Proud hearts struggle to depend fully upon God because they trust too much in personal strength and understanding.

c) Humble believers remain teachable and spiritually sensitive (1 Peter 5:5-6)
Humility attracts grace, favour, and divine assistance.

d) Faith and humility work together to produce breakthroughs (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trusting God wholeheartedly requires surrendering personal pride and human reasoning.

Biblical Example:
Naaman received healing only after humbling himself enough to obey God’s instruction through the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 5:10-14).

4. FAITH BREAKS BARRIERS AND RELEASES MIRACLES

God honours unwavering faith with divine intervention.

a) Jesus commended the woman’s great faith publicly (Matthew 15:28)
Her persistence and trust distinguished her faith above the obstacles standing before her.

b) Her daughter received complete deliverance instantly (Matthew 15:28)
Faith opened the door for supernatural healing and freedom from demonic oppression.

c) Faith activates God’s power in impossible situations (Mark 9:23)
Through faith, believers experience healing, restoration, provision, deliverance, and answered prayers.

d) God is able to do exceedingly above human expectations (Ephesians 3:20)
Divine intervention often surpasses what believers imagine or expect when faith remains active and steadfast.

Biblical Example:
The woman with the issue of blood broke through the crowd by faith and received instant healing after many years of suffering (Mark 5:25-34).

CONCLUSION

Breaking barriers through faith is possible for every believer who refuses to give up. The Canaanite woman overcame rejection, delay, discouragement, and limitations through persistent faith and humility.

Faith enables believers to rise above fear, impossibility, opposition, and visible circumstances. Those who continue trusting God wholeheartedly will eventually experience divine breakthroughs and miracles.

No barrier is too strong when genuine faith is placed in Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, strengthen my faith to overcome every barrier before me in Jesus name

2. Father, help me to trust You completely in difficult situations in Jesus name

3. Lord, remove every spirit of fear, doubt, and discouragement from my life in Jesus name

4. Father, give me grace to remain persistent in prayer and faith in Jesus name

5. Lord, let every barrier of delay and limitation be broken in Jesus name

6. Father, help me to walk humbly and depend fully upon You in Jesus name

7. Lord, release divine intervention into every impossible area of my life in Jesus name

8. Father, strengthen me against every opposition to my breakthrough in Jesus name

9. Lord, let my faith produce miracles, testimonies, and restoration in Jesus name

10. Father, make my life a testimony of victorious faith and supernatural breakthroughs in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every barrier standing against your progress shall break by the power of God!

2. Your faith shall rise above fear, discouragement, and impossibility!

3. Every delayed breakthrough shall manifest speedily in your life!

4. God shall honour your persistence with testimonies and miracles!

5. Every closed door before you shall open by divine intervention!

6. The Lord shall strengthen and sustain you through every difficult season!

7. Every chain of limitation and oppression is broken over your life!

8. Your prayers shall attract divine attention and supernatural answers!

9. You shall walk in victory, restoration, and supernatural favour!

10. Your life shall become a testimony of great faith and divine breakthroughs in Jesus’ name!