THE POWER TO ESCAPE END-OF-YEAR TRAPS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Psalm 91:1-3
Key Verse: “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” (Psalm 91:3)
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 4:18; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Corinthians 10:12-13; Isaiah 54:17; 2 Timothy 4:18
INTRODUCTION:
The end of the year is often a season of reflection, transition, and heightened spiritual activity. While many look forward to celebration and closure, Scripture warns that this period can also be filled with subtle traps, distractions, and attacks designed to derail destinies at the point of victory. The enemy intensifies opposition when seasons are about to change.
End-of-year traps may manifest as spiritual carelessness, emotional exhaustion, financial pressure, unhealthy associations, or sudden temptations. Without spiritual alertness and divine covering, many fall into avoidable pitfalls that steal joy, peace, and testimony.
This message reveals that God has not left His children vulnerable. There is divine power, wisdom, and protection available to escape every trap, finish the year strong, and cross into the new season preserved and victorious.
1. END-OF-YEAR TRAPS ARE REAL AND STRATEGIC
Satanic traps are carefully designed to catch people off guard, especially when they begin to relax spiritually.
a) Traps are often hidden and subtle (Psalm 124:7). The enemy uses unseen snares to capture the unsuspecting.
b) Traps increase during seasons of transition (Luke 21:34). Spiritual carelessness opens doors to danger.
c) Traps target joy and testimony (John 10:10). The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy at strategic moments.
d) Traps exploit human weakness (1 Peter 5:8). Weariness and distraction create vulnerability.
Biblical Example: Samson was trapped at the peak of his strength because he ignored spiritual boundaries and vigilance (Judges 16:18-21).
2. GOD’S POWER GUARANTEES ESCAPE
No trap is stronger than the power of God. Divine intervention ensures deliverance for those who trust Him.
a) God delivers from every snare (Psalm 91:3). His power dismantles traps before they close.
b) God provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Temptation never arrives without divine exit.
c) God neutralises every weapon (Isaiah 54:17). Traps fail when divine authority intervenes.
d) God preserves completely (2 Timothy 4:18). His deliverance extends to spirit, soul, and body.
Biblical Example: Daniel escaped the lions’ den unharmed because God’s power overruled a deadly trap (Daniel 6:16-23).
3. SPIRITUAL ALERTNESS IS KEY TO ESCAPE
Divine power works in partnership with spiritual watchfulness and obedience.
a) Prayer keeps the believer alert (Luke 21:36). Vigilant prayer prevents sudden spiritual collapse.
b) God’s Word provides direction (Psalm 119:105). Light from Scripture exposes hidden dangers.
c) Sobriety guards the heart (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Self-control protects against careless decisions.
d) Discernment prevents deception (Hebrews 5:14). Mature senses distinguish danger from safety.
Biblical Example: Nehemiah discerned and escaped repeated traps set by his enemies through prayer and vigilance (Nehemiah 6:1-9).
4. FINISHING THE YEAR STRONG AND SAFE
God’s desire is not just survival but a victorious and peaceful conclusion to the year.
a) God perfects the journey (Psalm 138:8). What He begins, He completes faithfully.
b) God grants peace at the end (Isaiah 26:3). Stability is the reward of trust.
c) God releases strength for the finish (Isaiah 40:31). Renewed strength sustains momentum.
d) God prepares a glorious crossover (Proverbs 4:18). The path of the righteous shines brighter.
Biblical Example: Paul finished his race preserved and confident, having escaped many dangers by God’s help (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
CONCLUSION:
End-of-year traps may be real, but God’s power is greater. No snare, scheme, or strategy of the enemy can prevail against a believer who abides under divine covering and walks in spiritual alertness. Escape is not a possibility; it is a promise.
As this year draws to a close, remain watchful, prayerful, and trusting in God. You will not fall into any trap, you will not lose your testimony, and you will cross into the new season preserved, peaceful, and victorious.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for Your promise of divine protection.
2. Lord, expose and dismantle every hidden trap assigned against me.
3. Father, keep me spiritually alert and sensitive.
4. Lord, deliver me from careless decisions.
5. Father, strengthen me to resist every temptation.
6. Lord, surround me with Your divine covering.
7. Father, frustrate every satanic plan against my life.
8. Lord, let Your power preserve me till the end of the year.
9. Father, help me finish this year strong and joyful.
10. Lord, grant me a safe and glorious crossover.
