Hindrances To Divine Increase

HINDRANCES TO DIVINE INCREASE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 13:4

Supporting Texts: Haggai 1:5-7, Malachi 3:8-10, Hebrews 3:12, Matthew 13:58, Deuteronomy 28:15-23

INTRODUCTION:

Divine increase is God’s will for His people. He delights in blessing His children and causing them to grow in every area of their lives. However, increase is not automatic. There are spiritual, behavioural, and environmental factors that can hinder the flow of divine increase. Recognising these hindrances is crucial if we want to walk fully in God’s blessings.

Many believers pray for divine increase without realising that their actions or inactions may be blocking the very thing they desire. Just like a pipe can be blocked and stop water from flowing, so too can our spiritual pipelines be clogged by disobedience, unbelief, or misaligned priorities. God's blessings are real and available, but they are accessed through alignment and obedience.

To live in divine increase, one must consciously remove these hindrances. It takes self-examination, repentance, and a commitment to spiritual discipline. As we explore these hindrances, may the Holy Spirit expose every blockage in your life and give you grace for restoration and fruitfulness.

1. DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS

a) Disobedience blocks access to blessings:

Divine increase is tied to obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). Disobedience shuts the door of favour.

b) Rebellion limits God’s intervention:

God cannot bless rebellion. Saul lost his kingdom because of disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

c) Partial obedience is still disobedience:

When we choose what to obey, we miss God’s full plan.

d) Obedience is a gateway to divine multiplication:

Yielding to God in all areas invites increase.

Biblical Example: King Saul disobeyed God’s command, which led to loss and divine rejection (1 Samuel 15:11-23).

2. WRONG PRIORITIES

a) Misplaced priorities cause spiritual dryness:

When we put self before God, we hinder divine blessings (Haggai 1:5-7).

b) Seeking worldly gain over spiritual growth invites lack:

God withholds increase from those who chase riches without Him.

c) God must come first for everything else to follow:

Matthew 6:33 teaches us to seek God first, then increase will follow.

d) True prosperity begins with kingdom focus:

Aligning your priorities with God’s brings lasting fruit.

Biblical Example: The Israelites neglected the temple and prioritised their houses, which led to drought and scarcity (Haggai 1:5-11).

3. LACK OF FAITH AND UNBELIEF

a) Faith is required to receive from God:

Without faith, it's impossible to please or receive from God (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Unbelief limits divine manifestations:

Jesus could not do many miracles in His hometown because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58).

c) Doubt cancels the potential for increase:

A double-minded person receives nothing from the Lord (James 1:6-8).

d) Faith activates divine promises:

Believing God’s Word sets the stage for divine fruitfulness.

Biblical Example: The Israelites who doubted God’s promise died in the wilderness without entering the land of increase (Numbers 14:1-23).

4. FAILURE TO HONOUR GOD WITH RESOURCES

a) Stinginess shuts the door to divine flow:

God cannot bless a closed hand (Proverbs 11:24-25).

b) Withholding tithes and offerings invites curses:

Malachi 3:8-10 shows how neglecting God financially hinders increase.

c) God blesses cheerful and sacrificial givers:

Those who honour God with their substance enjoy divine overflow (Proverbs 3:9-10).

d) Giving is a covenant key to multiplication:

When you give, it is given back to you—pressed down, shaken together, running over (Luke 6:38).

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath gave to Elijah first and was sustained during famine (1 Kings 17:8-16).

5. SPIRITUAL LAZINESS AND NEGLECT

a) Laziness leads to poverty and lack:

Proverbs 13:4 says the soul of the sluggard desires but has nothing.

b) Neglecting prayer and the Word weakens spiritual growth:

Spiritual barrenness follows those who abandon their devotion.

c) Diligence is required for divine increase:

The hand of the diligent shall bear rule and enjoy prosperity (Proverbs 10:4).

d) There is no harvest without labour:

Even divine increase requires human responsibility.

Biblical Example: The unfaithful servant buried his talent and lost it due to laziness and fear (Matthew 25:24-30).

CONCLUSION:

Divine increase is God's will, but it demands personal responsibility. Anything that resists the laws of obedience, faith, giving, spiritual diligence, and right priorities will surely hinder divine increase. God wants His children to grow and flourish, but we must make room for His blessing by aligning with His principles.

As you reflect on these hindrances, ask the Holy Spirit to search your life and reveal anything that may be blocking your growth. Confess, repent, and make the necessary changes. You are destined for increase, but you must cooperate with divine instructions to experience it fully.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for Your desire to increase me in every area.

2. Lord, I repent of any disobedience that has hindered my blessings.

3. Remove every wrong priority and set my heart to seek first Your kingdom.