GOD'S PLAN MUST STAND

Preacher: Pastor John Elekwa Ibe Key Text: Exodus 17:8–10 Opening Prayer: "Lord, Address My Weaknesses" The service began with Pastor john Elekwa Ibe leading the congregation in a powerful prayer session. One of the major prayer points was, "Lord, address my weaknesses." He encouraged everyone to pray sincerely that God would deal with every weakness that could hinder them from fulfilling His purpose.

He emphasized that before God can use a person effectively, that person must allow God to work on their weaknesses. Whether the weakness is spiritual, emotional, or in one's attitude, it should be surrendered to God so that it does not become an obstacle to destiny. God's Purpose Must Stand Using Exodus 17:8-10 as his foundation, the preacher declared that God's plans and purposes are certain and cannot fail. He stressed that whenever God establishes a purpose, that purpose must be fulfilled. However, although God is sovereign, He chooses to accomplish His work through people.

He repeatedly emphasized that God uses men as His instruments on earth. God's purpose may be divine, but its manifestation often depends on men who are willing to obey Him. Throughout Scripture, God consistently selected individuals to carry out His assignments rather than acting independently of human participation. God Establishes His Plan Through Men Pastor John Elekwa Ibe repeatedly emphasized that God's instruments are men. Whenever God wants to establish His will on earth, He looks for people He can use. He explained that every major move of God in Scripture involved someone who was available to carry out God's assignment. God's plan requires human vessels who are willing to cooperate with Him. The preacher gave the example of Moses, whom God raised up to deliver Israel. God did not simply announce freedom from heaven; He called a man, prepared him, and sent him to accomplish His purpose.

This demonstrates that God's work on earth advances through obedient men and women who make themselves available for His use. When God Is in a Man The preacher made a powerful statement: "When God is in a man, that man becomes a tool in God's hand." He explained that an ordinary person becomes extraordinary when God works through them. The power does not come from the individual but from God's presence within them. Believers should therefore desire to become vessels that God can trust with His assignments rather than living only for personal interests. Choosing Men Is Vital in God's Kingdom Pastor John Elekwa Ibe emphasized that God's choice of people is never accidental.

Throughout Scripture, whenever God's purpose emerged, it was always connected to people whom He had chosen. From Abraham to Moses, Joshua, David, the prophets, and the apostles, God consistently entrusted His assignments to chosen vessels. This teaches believers that availability, obedience, and commitment are important qualities for anyone who desires to be used by God. The Danger of Rebellion in the Church One of the strongest warnings in the sermon concerned rebellion within the church, especially within church departments. The preacher stated that whenever rebellion appears in the church, it is not merely a human disagreement but an attempt by the enemy to disrupt God's established order.

He warned workers not to allow attitudes of resistance, division, or stubbornness to grow within their departments because such attitudes hinder the work God desires to accomplish. According to him, every department functions more effectively when members honour leadership, maintain unity, and remain committed to the vision God has established. Principles from Exodus 17:8–10

The preacher drew several leadership and kingdom principles from Israel's battle against Amalek in Exodus 17. 1. Every Battle Requires a Leader During Israel's battle against Amalek, Moses appointed Joshua to lead the army while he stood on the hill with the rod of God. The preacher explained that every assignment requires leadership. Victory does not happen through confusion or disorder. Someone must carry responsibility, give direction, and coordinate the work. 2. The Men God Chooses Must Be Fighters The preacher emphasized that God does not choose passive people to accomplish kingdom assignments. The people God uses must be willing to fight not necessarily with physical weapons but through faith, courage, prayer, obedience, and perseverance. Kingdom work requires people who remain committed even when challenges arise. 3. There Must Be a Commander Another important principle was that there must be a commander for the battle to be won. Without leadership, people move in different directions, confusion increases, and victory becomes difficult. The preacher applied this principle to the church, explaining that every department should recognize and respect the authority God has established. 4. Obedience Is the Requirement for Victory According to Apostle/Pastor Austin, obedience is the prerequisite for victory. Joshua followed Moses' instruction exactly as it was given. Because the instructions were obeyed, Israel prevailed in battle.

He encouraged believers to understand that God's blessings often follow obedience rather than personal opinions or self-will.

5. Protect the Leader The preacher also highlighted an important warfare principle. He stated that when the king is captured, the battle is over. Using this principle, he explained the importance of protecting, supporting, and standing with God-given leaders because leadership plays a crucial role in fulfilling God's purpose. Just as Moses was supported during the battle, believers should strengthen their leaders through prayer, unity, and faithful service.

Lessons for Church Workers The sermon carried several practical lessons for church workers and believers. - Ask God to expose and address personal weaknesses. - Understand that God's purpose on earth is fulfilled through people. - Make yourself available to become God's instrument. - Reject rebellion and division within church departments. - Respect and support God-ordained leadership. - Develop the courage to fight spiritual battles faithfully. - Follow godly instructions with obedience. - Work together so that God's purpose can be accomplished through the church.

Conclusion Pastor John Elekwa Ibe concluded by reminding the congregation that God's purpose cannot be stopped. However, believers must choose whether they will become useful instruments in His hands. The account of Moses, Joshua, and the battle against Amalek demonstrates that victory comes when God's chosen people work together under godly leadership with obedience and unity. The preacher challenged everyone to reject rebellion, embrace discipline, support kingdom leadership, and allow God to deal with their weaknesses so they can become effective instruments for advancing His purpose on earth.