OBSTACLES TO SUSTAINING HIGHER DIMENSIONS OF THE SUPERNATURAL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Galatians 5:7
Key Verse: “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (Galatians 5:7)
Supporting Texts: 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Hebrews 12:1; Matthew 13:22; Revelation 2:4-5
INTRODUCTION:
Walking in the supernatural is not merely a momentary experience; it is a divine lifestyle to be sustained. Many people start strong in spiritual gifts, prayer, holiness, and power, but they soon fall back because of certain obstacles that weaken their spiritual strength. These obstacles are like weights or snares that quench the fire of the Spirit and disconnect believers from consistent encounters with God.
The devil knows that he cannot stop the release of the supernatural power of God, so he sets traps and distractions to prevent believers from sustaining it. This is why Apostle Paul warned the Galatians: “You did run well; who hindered you?” The challenge is not just starting in fire, but continuing in fire until the end.
In this teaching, we will identify some of the major obstacles that hinder believers from sustaining higher dimensions of the supernatural and also learn how to overcome them.
1. PRAYERLESSNESS AND SPIRITUAL LAZINESS
The absence of prayer dries up the supernatural flow in a believer’s life.
a) Prayerlessness quenches the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19): Without prayer, the flame of the supernatural gradually dies out.
b) Spiritual laziness opens the door to weakness (Proverbs 24:30-31): Neglecting discipline causes spiritual decline.
c) Lack of watchfulness leads to temptation (Matthew 26:41): A careless prayer life exposes one to defeat.
d) Inconsistency in prayer makes power short-lived (Luke 18:1): Persistence is the secret of sustained supernatural strength.
Biblical Example: The disciples could not sustain supernatural strength in Gethsemane because they slept instead of praying (Matthew 26:40-41).
2. LOVE FOR THE WORLD AND CARNALITY
Worldliness and carnal living hinder the flow of God’s power.
a) Friendship with the world makes one God’s enemy (James 4:4): Carnality drives away divine presence.
b) The cares of life choke the supernatural (Matthew 13:22): Worries and worldly pleasures block spiritual flow.
c) Lust of the flesh weakens spiritual sensitivity (1 John 2:16): Sinful desires kill spiritual hunger.
d) The love of the world blinds from higher realities (2 Timothy 4:10): Demas forsook Paul because of worldliness.
Biblical Example: Lot’s wife looked back to the world and lost her place in God’s supernatural plan (Genesis 19:26).
3. PRIDE AND SELF-GLORY
Pride is one of the greatest destroyers of supernatural grace.
a) Pride leads to downfall (Proverbs 16:18): A proud heart cannot sustain divine fire.
b) God resists the proud (James 4:6): The presence of God departs from the arrogant.
c) Taking glory for God’s work quenches the anointing (Acts 12:23): Herod died when he took God’s glory.
d) Pride closes the door to deeper encounters (Micah 6:8): Only the humble are lifted into higher dimensions.
Biblical Example: King Uzziah walked in supernatural victories but lost it all when pride filled his heart (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).
4. NEGLECT OF THE WORD OF GOD
The supernatural is sustained by the Word; neglecting it causes decline.
a) The Word feeds faith (Romans 10:17): Without it, faith weakens and power fades.
b) The Word renews the mind (Romans 12:2): Neglect leads to carnality and confusion.
c) The Word equips for spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:17): Without it, believers become powerless.
d) Daily meditation sustains divine flow (Joshua 1:8): Neglect of meditation leads to dryness.
Biblical Example: The Israelites fell into idolatry when they abandoned God’s Word and covenant (Judges 2:10-12).
5. SIN AND DISOBEDIENCE
Living in sin shuts down higher dimensions of God’s power.
a) Sin separates from God (Isaiah 59:1-2): It blocks access to His presence.
b) Disobedience quenches spiritual authority (1 Samuel 15:22-23): Obedience is the key to sustained anointing.
c) Secret sin destroys supernatural exploits (Joshua 7:1-5): Achan’s sin caused Israel’s defeat.
d) Habitual sin grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30): The Spirit withdraws where sin reigns.
Biblical Example: Samson lost his supernatural power because of compromise and disobedience (Judges 16:20-21).
6. LACK OF FELLOWSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Isolation kills the supernatural fire in a believer’s life.
a) Neglecting fellowship weakens faith (Hebrews 10:25): Iron sharpens iron, but isolation makes dull.
b) The corporate anointing sustains fire (Psalm 133:1-3): Unity attracts supernatural flow.
c) Accountability preserves discipline (Proverbs 27:17): Lack of it leads to spiritual carelessness.
d) Fellowship stirs spiritual hunger (Acts 2:42): Isolation starves supernatural encounters.
Biblical Example: Judas isolated himself from true fellowship and fell into destruction (Matthew 27:3-5).
CONCLUSION:
Sustaining higher dimensions of the supernatural requires vigilance. The obstacles of prayerlessness, worldliness, pride, neglect of the Word, sin, and lack of fellowship are like hidden enemies working to drain spiritual power. If not identified and overcome, they will quench the supernatural fire in a believer’s life.
However, God has given us the grace to overcome these obstacles. By remaining prayerful, walking in holiness, staying humble, meditating on the Word, and remaining in godly fellowship, we can continually sustain the supernatural and keep walking in God’s glory.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every spirit of prayerlessness and laziness.
2. Father, disconnect me from the love of the world and carnality.
3. Lord, uproot every seed of pride in my heart.
4. Father, restore my hunger and passion for Your Word.
5. Lord, cleanse me from every hidden sin and disobedience.
6. Father, keep me in fellowship and accountability in the Body of Christ.
7. Lord, remove every distraction that quenches spiritual fire in my life.
8. Father, keep me watchful so that I do not fall into temptation.
9. Lord, help me to finish strong in the supernatural journey.
10. Father, let Your Spirit sustain the fire of revival in my life.
