When Destinies Are At Risk Series

WHEN DESTINIES ARE AT RISK

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 1:1-53

Supporting Texts: Psalm 75:6-7; Ecclesiastes 10:5-7; Isaiah 46:10; Revelation 3:7; Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION:

The opening chapter of 1 Kings paints a scene of political unrest and family intrigue in the twilight of King David’s reign. Though old and frail, David still carried the weight of divine authority. Yet, in a moment of silence and delay from the throne, Adonijah, one of David’s sons, attempted to seize power for himself.

Destiny was hanging in the balance. Solomon had been divinely chosen to succeed David, but a counterfeit claim was rising, and had it gone unchallenged, the true prophetic promise might have been aborted. Thankfully, wise and godly counsel prevailed through the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother. David acted just in time to establish God's will.

This passage teaches us that destinies can come under threat when godly people remain silent or passive. It also reminds us that no matter how others may rise to steal what God has ordained, when we act in alignment with God’s timing and voice, heaven backs divine purposes with power.

1. DESTINY DELAYS CAN ATTRACT COUNTERFEIT CLAIMS

David’s weakness and silence gave Adonijah room to rise prematurely.

a) “Then Adonijah... exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.’” (1 Kings 1:5)

Self-promotion fills the vacuum when leadership fails to act.

b) When true leadership is slow to establish the next phase, confusion arises

Delay from the ordained can empower the unappointed.

c) Satan often strikes during transition seasons, attempting to hijack what is not his

Spiritual lethargy creates room for rebellion.

d) God expects those in authority to be spiritually alert and proactive

David’s quick decision restored divine order.

Biblical Example: Absalom’s conspiracy succeeded temporarily because David fled in silence (2 Samuel 15:13–14).

2. SELF-ENTHRONEMENT CANNOT OVERRULE DIVINE ELECTION

Adonijah’s coronation was not recognised in heaven.

a) “He prepared for himself chariots and horsemen... but he was not the Lord’s choice.” (1 Kings 1:5–6 paraphrased)

A man may enthrone himself, but only God installs true kings.

b) Earthly resources cannot enforce spiritual authority

Power without God’s backing is short-lived.

c) Even if the crowd supports an illegitimate rise, it does not guarantee success

Many influential men joined Adonijah, but it did not last.

d) The voice of God remains the final authority over destiny matters

Solomon was chosen before he was crowned.

Biblical Example: Saul was rejected, and David was anointed despite Saul’s continued reign (1 Samuel 16:1).

3. GODLY INTERVENTION IS KEY TO PRESERVING DIVINE PURPOSE

Nathan and Bathsheba acted swiftly to remind David of God’s word.

a) “Have you not sworn... that Solomon your son shall reign after you?” (1 Kings 1:13)

Divine promises must sometimes be contended for, even when spoken by God.

b) Prophetic voices and intercessors are vital in times of transition

Nathan did not remain silent—he spoke up to preserve the promise.

c) God often works through the bold actions of those who believe in His word

Bathsheba did not keep quiet while destiny was under threat.

d) Passive believers may watch divine plans delayed or hijacked

Preserving destiny requires intentional, prayerful, and courageous action.

Biblical Example: Esther intervened to preserve Israel’s destiny from Haman’s plot (Esther 4:14–16).

4. DIVINE ESTABLISHMENT SUPERCEDES HUMAN ARRANGEMENTS

David took back control and publicly declared Solomon king.

a) “Cause Solomon my son to ride on my own mule... and anoint him king.” (1 Kings 1:33–34)

When God moves, no opposition can stand.

b) The anointing separates and empowers those whom God chooses

Solomon’s anointing silenced Adonijah’s ambition.

c) True enthronement is public, prophetic, and divinely orchestrated

Heaven confirms what God ordains on earth.

d) When God promotes, no man can demote

Even though Solomon was younger and less experienced, he was God’s choice.

Biblical Example: Joseph was elevated to power by Pharaoh, though his brothers tried to destroy his destiny (Genesis 41:39–44).

5. GOD PROTECTS WHAT HE ORDAINS, EVEN UNDER PRESSURE

The plot was overturned, and Solomon was established securely.

a) “All the guests who were with Adonijah were afraid, and arose, and each one went his way.” (1 Kings 1:49)

When God steps in, confusion scatters the opposition.

b) The path to divine destiny may be delayed, but it cannot be denied

Solomon was installed against all odds.

c) God’s word concerning your life will stand, no matter who rises to oppose it

He watches over His word to perform it.

d) Every attempt to hijack your future will backfire when you remain aligned with God’s plan

Solomon sat on the throne, just as God had spoken.

Biblical Example: Daniel rose to prominence despite the plotting of jealous officials (Daniel 6:3–28).

CONCLUSION:

When destinies are at risk, God always raises voices to speak up, stir action, and restore order. David’s quick response to the threat ensured that God’s promise did not die in the face of rebellion. This chapter teaches us that while God’s will is sovereign, He works through yielded vessels, prompt obedience, and courageous intervention.