STOPPERS OF INITIATIVE

PRESENTEDBY

SCOTT ODIGIE

Reference: John6

:6 (NLT)

He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do.

Overview

God’s commitment is giving direction, but taking initiative is man’s

responsibility. The greatest challenge with the Nigerian Church is expecting God to play their own role; the height

of irresponsibility.

The Stoppers

1. Fear: Jos.6:1 (NLT)

Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No

one was allowed to go in or out.

Failure

Criticisms Future

2. Low self-esteem: Jud.6:15 (NLT)

“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My

clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the

least in my entire family!”

3. Experience: 2Sam.18:22-30(NLT)

Vs.19. Then Zadok’s son Ahimaaz said, “Let me run to the king with the good news that the Lord has saved him from his enemy Absalom.”

Vs. 20. No, Joab told him, “it wouldn’t be good news to the king that his son is dead. You can be my messenger some other time, but not today.

Vs. 21. Then Joab said to the man from Cush, “Go tell the king what you have seen.” the man bowed and ran off.

Vs.22. But Ahimaaz continued to plead with Joab, “whatever happens, please let me go, too.” why should you go, my son? Joab replied. There

will be no reward for you.

Vs.23. yes but let me go anyway, he begged. Joab finally said, “All right, go

ahead.” then Ahimaaz took a short cut across the plain of the Jordan and got to Mahanaim ahead of the man

from Cush.

Vs.29. What about young man Absalom? The king demanded. Is he all right? Ahimaaz replied, When Joab told

me to come, there was a lot of commotion. But I didn’t know what

was happening.

Vs.30. Wait here, the king told him. So

Ahimaaz stepped aside.

4. Bad Habits:Pro.22:13 (NLT)

The lazy person is full of excuses, saying, “If I go

outside, I might meet a lion in the street and be killed.

Excuses

Procrastination

Complaining

5. Tradition: John 1:46(NLT)

Nazareth! Exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from there?” “just come

and see for yourself,” Philip said.

Conclusion

It is your season of outstanding success in the midst of recession. Thank you for listening.