By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon
In an atmosphere filled with reverent worship and palpable expectation, the congregation at Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, today, gathered for a transformative service under the divine guidance of Rev. Dr. Babatunde A. Idowu, PhD, the Senior Pastor and Wuse District Overseer. The theme of the day, “Divine Enlargement and Deliverance,” called on believers to transition from grief to grace, emphasizing God’s boundless mercy.
Central to the sermon were powerful texts from 1Chronicles 4: 9-10 and 2 Kings 2:19-22. Rev. Idowu illuminated these scriptures, demonstrating how faith can reverse sorrow and promote spiritual growth and prosperity.
The Three Pillars of the sermon centred around: Status, Supplication, and Settlement
Status: Rev. Idowu encouraged the congregation to critically assess their current spiritual and physical state. According to the scripture, Jabez’s status changed through divine intervention after he earnestly called on God. Similarly, the story of the healing of Jericho’s waters reveals that what is visible is often not the complete story. Inner struggles require God’s intervention, highlighting the need for believers to stand firm and seek divine guidance like Joshua (Joshua 6:26).
Supplication: The act of heartfelt prayer was emphasized as an essential tool for divine enlargement. Rev. Idowu led the congregation in earnest prayers, seeking God’s intervention to uplift them from hidden pains and sorrows. Echoing the pleas of Elisha, the focus was on supplication for enlightenment and deliverance. A key prayer point for the congregation was, “Enlighten my eyes of understanding in my business and all that I do,” underscoring the belief that spiritual insight fosters growth and success.
Settlement: The final pillar, settlement, promises peace and productivity. Drawing from the miraculous transformation of Jericho’s waters, Rev. Idowu assured believers that their “waters shall be sweet and their land productive.” Through divine settlement, grief is reversed, ensuring with peace and grace in believers’ lives.
Reversing Grief to Grace
Rev. Idowu’s message was clear: Believers are called not to shrink back in the face of life’s challenges but to enlarge and expand their territories through faith. The day’s prayers were not just for personal deliverance but also aimed at breaking generational sorrow and unproductive patterns.
Prayer Intercession
In an intense session of prayer intercession, Rev. Idowu guided the congregation through declarations of deliverance and restoration. Inspired by 2 Kings 2:19, the prayers were a weapon against spiritual stagnation, proclaiming healing and productivity. The congregation prayed fervently for sweet waters and fruitful lands, both literally and metaphorically.
PRAYER POINTS INCLUDED:
● Open my eyes of understanding, Lord, to gain wisdom in my business and all my endeavors.
● Lord, free me from any hidden pain and secret sorrow.
● Grant me deliverance, O Lord, and let me experience your peace.
● In the name of Jesus, remove any foundational sorrows affecting my life, ministry, and progress.
● I renounce any negative or sorrowful names by which I am known, and declare them nullified in Jesus’ name.
● Help me to overcome all irregularities in my life.
● We cancel any sorrows related to our children in Jesus’ name.
● As referenced in 2 Kings 2:19, may our resources be prosperous and fruitful.
● Let any form of death in my life cease in the name of Jesus.
● Heal the waters within me, making them whole and restored.
Rev. Idowu concluded by invoking the power of God’s word, “By the word of the Lord, Elisha proclaimed, and it was fulfilled. I stand by the word of God and proclaim liberty from all pains and sorrows in your lives and family.”
Through a blend of scripture, supplication, and sincere faith, the service was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God’s grace. Believers were encouraged to hold steadfast to God’s promises, assured that divine enlargement and deliverance are their rightful heritage.
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.
