BREAKING THE BACKBONE OF STAGNATION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Deuteronomy 1:6-7
"The Lord our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates."
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19, 2 Kings 7:3-8, Philippians 3:13-14, Proverbs 4:18, Psalm 18:29
INTRODUCTION:
Stagnation is a condition where there is no growth, movement, or progress. It is the opposite of advancement and a major weapon of the enemy to frustrate God’s children. When a person is stagnant, life becomes a cycle of repetition, missed opportunities, and wasted time.
In our main text, God observed the prolonged stay of Israel in one place and instructed them to move forward. This shows that stagnation is not God’s will. His plan is for us to move from glory to glory, strength to strength, and level to level.
This sermon is designed to identify the causes of stagnation, expose the spirit behind it, and provide keys to break free and move into your next level.
1. UNDERSTANDING STAGNATION
a) Stagnation is a state of arrested progress (Jeremiah 7:24)
It keeps people going backward or remaining in one place.
b) It creates frustration and hopelessness (Proverbs 13:12)
Delayed hope causes spiritual and emotional fatigue.
c) Stagnation affects all aspects of life (Ecclesiastes 10:15)
It can affect finances, ministry, marriage, and health.
d) It is contrary to divine purpose (Proverbs 4:18)
God's will is progressive increase, not standstill.
Biblical Example: The man at the pool of Bethesda was stagnant for 38 years (John 5:1–9).
2. CAUSES OF STAGNATION
a) Sin and disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-23)
Disobedience attracts divine resistance and delay.
b) Fear and doubt (Numbers 13:31-33)
Fear paralyses destiny and delays movement.
c) Wrong associations (Genesis 13:14)
Abraham advanced after separating from Lot.
d) Demonic oppression and altars (Judges 6:25-26)
Evil foundations and covenants can keep people grounded.
Biblical Example: Israel was delayed for 40 years in the wilderness because of fear and disobedience (Numbers 14:33-35).
3. SIGNS OF STAGNATION
a) Repetition of negative patterns (Deuteronomy 2:3)
Going around in circles without a new result.
b) No improvement despite efforts (Luke 5:5)
Labouring without commensurate result.
c) Watching others move ahead while you are stuck (Psalm 73:3)
Envy may rise when you see others succeed.
d) Inability to finish projects or visions (Haggai 1:6)
Stagnation frustrates completion of divine goals.
Biblical Example: The four lepers at the gate of Samaria were stuck until they decided to move (2 Kings 7:3-8).
4. HOW TO BREAK THE BACKBONE OF STAGNATION
a) Engage in strategic and fervent prayers (Matthew 11:12)
It takes force to break satanic limitations.
b) Make prophetic decrees and confessions (Job 22:28)
Your declaration is your possession.
c) Walk in obedience to divine instructions (Isaiah 1:19)
Obedience activates progress.
d) Sow sacrificial seeds and activate divine favour (Psalm 126:5-6)
Sacrifice moves the hand of God.
Biblical Example: Isaac broke famine-induced stagnation by sowing in the land (Genesis 26:12-14).
5. WALKING IN CONTINUOUS PROGRESS
a) Be vision-driven, not circumstance-driven (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
Vision gives direction for movement.
b) Keep your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)
Looking to Christ brings constant strength.
c) Surround yourself with progress-minded people (Proverbs 13:20)
Company affects destiny direction.
d) Trust the timing of God while taking bold steps (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God makes all things beautiful in His time.
Biblical Example: Jesus moved from town to town fulfilling purpose with focus and speed (Mark 1:38-39).
CONCLUSION:
God is a God of movement, progress, and advancement. Stagnation is an enemy of purpose, and it must be confronted with the authority of God’s Word, prayer, and obedience. You have dwelt long enough at that level; it is time to break camp and move forward.
The same God who commanded Israel to move will push you into your next level today. No more delays, no more circles—your time to advance has come!
PRAYER POINTS
1. O Lord, every force of stagnation holding my destiny, break now by fire!
2. Father, arise and move me forward by Your mighty hand.
3. Every satanic altar responsible for my delay, be destroyed in Jesus’ name.
4. I receive divine speed and grace for progress.
5. Lord, let the anointing to overtake and recover come upon me now.
