ALTARS THAT SUSTAIN DESTINY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 12:7-8
Key Verse: “And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.” (Genesis 12:7)
Supporting Texts: Genesis 13:3-4; Genesis 26:25; 1 Kings 18:30; Hebrews 13:15
INTRODUCTION
Destiny is not sustained by ambition alone; it is sustained by spiritual foundations. Abraham’s journey was marked not only by movement but by altars. Everywhere God appeared to him, he built an altar. These altars became spiritual anchors in uncertain seasons.
An altar is more than a physical structure; it represents communion, sacrifice, worship, and covenant. It is the meeting place between divinity and humanity. Without altars, destiny can be diverted, weakened, or forgotten.
In today’s generation, many pursue destiny without maintaining altars. They desire promise without presence. Yet Scripture teaches that the strength to endure, prosper, and fulfil destiny flows from consistent encounters with God.
1. ALTARS ARE PLACES OF DIVINE ENCOUNTER
Altars are established where God reveals Himself and speaks concerning destiny.
a) Altars Mark Divine Appearances (Genesis 12:7)
Abraham built an altar because the Lord appeared to him; revelation precedes construction.
b) Altars Preserve Divine Promises (Genesis 13:14-18)
After God reaffirmed His promise, Abraham built another altar in Hebron.
c) Altars Create Spiritual Awareness (Exodus 20:24)
God promises to bless where His name is remembered.
d) Altars Deepen Intimacy with God (Jeremiah 33:3)
Calling upon God invites revelation and divine communication.
Biblical Example:
When Isaac encountered God in Beersheba, he built an altar and called upon the name of the Lord, and God confirmed the Abrahamic covenant to him (Genesis 26:24-25).
2. ALTARS PROVIDE SPIRITUAL STABILITY IN TRANSITION
Altars anchor believers during seasons of movement and uncertainty.
a) Returning to the Altar Restores Focus (Genesis 13:3-4)
Abraham returned to the altar he had made earlier, renewing his fellowship with God.
b) Altars Counteract Distraction (Psalm 27:4)
Dwelling in God’s presence preserves spiritual clarity.
c) Worship Sustains Faith (Hebrews 13:15)
Continual praise becomes a spiritual sacrifice that strengthens endurance.
d) Altars Reinforce Covenant Identity (Deuteronomy 7:9)
God remembers His covenant with those who remain connected to Him.
Biblical Example:
After Elijah repaired the broken altar of the Lord, fire fell from heaven and restored the people’s focus to God (1 Kings 18:30-38).
3. ALTARS DEMAND SACRIFICE
No altar exists without sacrifice; sacrifice demonstrates devotion and surrender.
a) Sacrifice Demonstrates Commitment (Genesis 22:9-12)
Abraham prepared to offer Isaac, proving ultimate obedience.
b) Sacrifice Strengthens Covenant (Psalm 50:5)
Those who make covenant by sacrifice attract divine response.
c) Living Sacrifice Sustains Destiny (Romans 12:1)
Presenting oneself to God daily preserves purpose.
d) Sacrifice Releases Divine Provision (Philippians 4:18-19)
God responds to genuine sacrificial giving with provision.
Biblical Example:
Noah built an altar after the flood and offered burnt offerings; God responded with a covenant promise and the sign of the rainbow (Genesis 8:20-22).
4. ALTARS ESTABLISH GENERATIONAL IMPACT
Altars create spiritual legacies that extend beyond one lifetime.
a) Altars Transmit Covenant (Genesis 18:19)
Abraham commanded his household to keep the way of the Lord.
b) Altars Shape Future Generations (2 Timothy 1:5)
Faith passed from one generation to another sustains spiritual heritage.
c) Altars Invite Divine Remembrance (Malachi 3:16)
God records and honours those who fear Him.
d) Altars Guard Destiny from Diversion (Psalm 91:1)
Dwelling in God’s secret place preserves destiny from destruction.
Biblical Example:
Jacob set up a pillar and built an altar at Bethel after encountering God, marking a generational turning point for Israel (Genesis 35:6-7).
CONCLUSION
Altars sustain destiny because they maintain connection with the One who authored destiny. Abraham’s greatness was not sustained by strategy but by spiritual consistency. His altars preserved covenant, restored focus, and invited divine intervention.
If destiny must endure, altars must be built and maintained. In seasons of abundance and in times of uncertainty, return to the altar. There, strength is renewed, promises are reaffirmed, and purpose is preserved.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me to build and maintain spiritual altars in my life, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, restore every broken altar in my destiny, in Jesus name.
3. Father, let divine encounters mark my journey continually, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, give me grace to remain consistent in worship and prayer, in Jesus name.
5. Father, teach me the power of sacrifice that sustains destiny, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, anchor my life in Your presence through every transition, in Jesus name.
7. Father, preserve my covenant identity through intimate fellowship, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let every altar I raise attract divine fire and favour, in Jesus name.
9. Father, establish a generational legacy of faith through my life, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, sustain my destiny through continual communion with You, in Jesus name.
