By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
In an uplifting Youth Sunday Service at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, the congregation gathered to celebrate God’s mercy under the inspired guidance of Sister Sophia Iyoha. Emphasizing the theme of “Divine Enlargement and Deliverance,” Sister Iyoha delivered a powerful message on the transformative power of positive thinking and a renewed mind-set.
The service began with an invigorating worship session led by the Youth Choir, setting a spiritual atmosphere for the sermon. Sister Sophia Iyoha took to the pulpit, grounding her message in the scriptures of Exodus 34:24, Esther 4:14, and Psalms 23:5, presenting a compelling case for believers to aspire for Divine Enlargement and Deliverance.
She reiterated the vital lesson from Esther 4:14 and Exodus 34:24, urging the congregation to recognize God’s patience and His role as a deliverer in times of need. “Divine enlargement means breaking limitations and expanding your territories,” declared Sister Sophia. “It’s about recovery, restoration, and revival in every aspect of life. Just as Psalms 23:5 promises blessing and abundance, we are called to break fallow grounds and reclaim what is rightfully ours.”
KEY STEPS TO EXPERIENCING DIVINE ENLARGEMENT:
Sister Iyoha then outlined practical steps to experiencing this divine enlargement, drawing parallels from Scriptures like 1 Chronicles, 1 Peter 3, John 1:2, and Isaiah. She urged the congregation to:
Understand their identity in Christ: Recognizing their inherent value and potential as children of God.
Cultivate a desire for growth: Continuously seeking opportunities to expand their horizons and impact.
Embrace a mindset of faith and courage: Believing in God’s promises and stepping out boldly to claim them.
Develop a deep reverence for God:
Living a life that prioritizes God’s guidance and principles.
Be diligent students of the Word: Grounding themselves in biblical truth and receiving divine wisdom.
Seek wise counsel:
Surrounding themselves with positive influences who encourage and support their growth.
Cultivate a positive mindset:
Choosing to focus on God’s faithfulness and possibilities rather than limitations.
Be generous givers:
Sowing seeds of kindness, compassion, and financial support, trusting in God’s abundant provision.
An important component of her sermon was the call to “adjust your mindset, think positively.” Sister Sophia declared that a positive outlook aligned with God’s promises is crucial in unlocking divine opportunities. “Sow seeds and be a cheerful giver,” she advised, emphasizing how generosity and community support can play a significant role in personal and spiritual growth.
A Call to Prayer:
The service culminated in a powerful time of prayer led by Sister Sophia. She encouraged the congregation to boldly petition God to:
Remove any obstacles hindering their progress and enlargement.
Break any negative influences attempting to hinder their destiny.
Expand their capacity to receive and walk in God’s blessings.
Asking for divine intervention to remove obstacles and expand the congregation’s reach.
“God, flush out anyone illegally occupying my space, position, and enlarge my borders,” the congregation prayed in unison, affirming their faith in God’s promising deliverance and blessings
Sister Sophia’s message at the Youth Sunday Service echoed deeply, reminding everyone that with positive thinking and faith, Divine Enlargement and Deliverance are achievable, breaking every barrier and setting believers apart for greatness.
The sermon served as a timely reminder that regardless of current circumstances, God’s desire is to see his children flourish and experience the fullness of his promises. Through faith, obedience, and a positive mindset, the congregation were challenged to embrace the adventure of walking into the divine enlargement that awaits them.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, Fellow of the Chronicle Business School, Abuja, a Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.