ARE YOU HELPING OR HINDERING GOD? By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 12:30 - "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."
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INTRODUCTION
In every generation, God has a purpose and a plan for His people. He calls His followers to be active participants in advancing His kingdom on earth. However, not everyone who claims to follow God is truly helping His cause. Some, knowingly or unknowingly, are actually hindering His work through doubt, unbelief, compromise, and aligning themselves with worldly agendas.
The question we must all ask ourselves is: Am I helping or hindering God? This is not a light matter. It is a serious call to examine our lives, actions, and words to see whether we are advancing God’s kingdom or standing in its way. The Bible makes it clear that neutrality is not an option. Either we are working with God or working against Him.
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THE CALL TO ADVANCE GOD’S PURPOSES
Isaiah 6:8 - "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
God is always looking for those who are willing to serve His purpose. He desires a people who will stand boldly, proclaim His truth, and resist the pressures of this world. The true followers of Christ are those who recognize His calling and respond with obedience and faith.
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THE DANGER OF HINDERING GOD’S WORK
Matthew 23:13 - "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to."
Many claim to serve God but end up being obstacles rather than facilitators of His work. This happens through:
• Doubt and unbelief – When we question God’s ability to fulfill His promises, we hinder His move in our lives and in others'.
• Compromise with the world – Aligning ourselves with sinful systems dilutes the purity of our witness and leads others astray.
• Speaking against God's work – When we criticize, discourage, or spread negativity, we slow down God’s mission.
• Spiritual laziness – When we fail to pray, evangelize, or serve, we miss the opportunity to bring people to Christ.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING FOCUSED ON GOD
Hebrews 12:2 - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
One of the greatest dangers in a believer’s walk is losing focus. The enemy constantly seeks to distract us from our divine assignment. The moment we take our eyes off Jesus and start listening to the voices of doubt, fear, and worldly influences, we open doors to hindrance.
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THE CONSEQUENCES OF HINDERING GOD
Numbers 14:22-23 - "Not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors."
When the Israelites doubted God’s ability to give them the Promised Land, they hindered His work and brought judgment upon themselves. Many of them never entered the land flowing with milk and honey because of their unbelief. Hindering God’s work results in:
• Loss of blessings – Those who resist God’s will miss out on His divine promises.
• Judgment and discipline – God disciplines those who obstruct His purposes.
• Spiritual stagnation – A person who hinders God’s work will not grow spiritually.
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HOW TO BE A HELPER IN GOD’S WORK
1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
To ensure we are helping and not hindering God, we must:
• Stay obedient – Follow God’s instructions without compromise.
• Have faith – Trust in God’s plans even when they seem difficult.
• Be prayerful – Stay connected to God and seek His guidance.
• Encourage others – Speak life and edify those around us.
• Reject worldly distractions – Avoid sin and influences that pull us away from God’s purpose.
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SUMMARY
Every believer has a choice—to help or to hinder the work of God. There is no middle ground. Our actions, words, and decisions determine whether we are advancing God’s purposes or slowing them down. We must be mindful of how we live and ensure that we are faithful workers in His kingdom.
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CONCLUSION
God is calling His people to stand firm and work alongside Him to bring His kingdom to the world. Those who choose to help will experience His blessings, but those who hinder will face the consequences of their actions.
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CALL TO ACTION
Are you helping or hindering God? Take a moment to reflect on your life. If there are areas where you have been an obstacle rather than an asset to God’s work, repent and commit to being a vessel for His glory. Align yourself with God’s purpose today.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
God is looking for faithful servants who will stand boldly for His kingdom. No matter what opposition comes, keep pressing forward. Victory belongs to those who remain steadfast in their commitment to Him.
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SALVATION PRAYER
If you have not given your life to Christ or have strayed from His path, pray this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner and I need Your salvation. I believe You died for my sins and rose again on the third day. Today, I surrender my life to You and ask You to be my Lord and Savior. Wash me with Your blood, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me to live a life that pleases You. I renounce the world and commit to following You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
