OVERTAKING THOSE AHEAD OF YOU BY DIVINE SPEED
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Kings 18:46
"And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel."
Supporting Texts: Amos 9:13, Isaiah 40:31, Joel 2:7, Psalm 18:29, Philippians 3:13-14
INTRODUCTION:
Life is often compared to a race where some seem far ahead, enjoying advantages and early breakthroughs. However, by divine speed, God empowers His children to not only catch up but overtake those ahead. Divine speed is not based on human energy but on divine intervention that accelerates your journey beyond natural limits.
Many people feel disheartened because they seem left behind by others who had better starts or greater advantages. Yet, the good news is that God specialises in helping His own overtake, recover lost grounds, and excel beyond expectations when His supernatural speed comes into play.
Today’s teaching focuses on how God’s divine speed positions His people to overtake those who have gone ahead, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to fulfil His promises quickly and gloriously.
1. THE REALITY OF DIVINE SPEED
God can empower a man to bypass the limitations of time and space.
a) Divine Speed Nullifies Natural Laws
Natural order is suspended for divine purposes (1 Kings 18:46).
b) Divine Speed Cancels Delay and Stagnation
What should take years can happen suddenly (Amos 9:13).
c) Divine Speed Brings Supernatural Turnaround
Life situations change drastically for good (Psalm 126:1-2).
d) Divine Speed Reveals God’s Superiority Over Time
God operates outside human timelines (2 Peter 3:8).
Biblical Example: Elijah overtook Ahab's chariot by the hand of God (1 Kings 18:46).
2. CONDITIONS FOR EXPERIENCING DIVINE SPEED
Divine speed requires certain alignments with God's will and ways.
a) Total Surrender to God's Hand
God moves fastest with those fully yielded (James 4:7).
b) Active and Persistent Faith
Faith triggers divine interventions (Hebrews 11:1).
c) Obedience to Divine Instructions
God accelerates those who obey promptly (Genesis 26:2-6,12-14).
d) A Heart Engaged in Prayer and Worship
Prayer provokes supernatural encounters (Acts 16:25-26).
Biblical Example: Joseph moved from prison to palace by divine arrangement (Genesis 41:14-44).
3. ENEMIES OF DIVINE SPEED
Certain factors can hinder the flow of divine speed.
a) Sin and Disobedience
Sin delays divine interventions (Isaiah 59:1-2).
b) Doubt and Fear
Unbelief blocks supernatural operations (Matthew 14:30-31).
c) Impatience and Murmuring
Complaining attracts stagnation (1 Corinthians 10:10).
d) Neglect of Divine Instructions
Ignoring God's commands invites delay (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
Biblical Example: The Israelites' unbelief prolonged their journey to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:26-35).
4. STRATEGIES TO ACTIVATE DIVINE SPEED
There are spiritual steps that trigger divine acceleration.
a) Engage the Force of Violent Faith
Take spiritual risks based on God's word (Matthew 11:12).
b) Consistent Prayer for Divine Intervention
Pray persistently for divine speed (Luke 18:1-8).
c) Receive Fresh Anointing for Acceleration
The anointing empowers for speedy exploits (Isaiah 10:27).
d) Operate with Kingdom Focus and Assignment
Pursue God’s purpose, and He will add speed (Matthew 6:33).
Biblical Example: Daniel received swift angelic intervention through persistent prayer (Daniel 10:12).
5. SIGNS THAT YOU ARE MOVING BY DIVINE SPEED
Divine speed is visible and undeniable.
a) Unexplainable Results in Short Time
Achievements come faster than expected (Amos 9:13).
b) Favour Beyond Human Qualifications
Doors open effortlessly (Psalm 5:12).
c) Acceleration Without Struggle
Things happen naturally and supernaturally (Isaiah 40:31).
d) Dominance Over Former Limitations
What once hindered now submits (Romans 8:37).
Biblical Example: Peter's release from prison was sudden and miraculous (Acts 12:5-11).
CONCLUSION:
No matter who seems to have gone ahead of you in life, when divine speed comes upon you, you can overtake and even surpass them by God's grace. Human limitations, backgrounds, and delays are irrelevant when God's supernatural hand rests upon a man.
You are not too late; with God’s speed, you will recover lost years and fulfil destiny gloriously. Trust Him, engage the principles, and expect supernatural overtaking!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, let Your hand come upon me for divine speed.
2. Father, empower me to overtake every delay in my life.
3. Lord, by Your mercy, help me to recover every lost ground.
4. Father, remove every hindrance to my divine acceleration.
5. Holy Spirit, empower me for outstanding results beyond human effort.
