𝐄𝐍𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄 𝐌𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐎 (𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐏 𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐍 1)

𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒅𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒚𝒐 𝑶𝒍𝒖𝒈𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂 (𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑷)

Second Service

Sermon Note

Date: Sunday (13th September, 2026)

Preacher: Pastor Adebayo Olugbenga (PICP)

Topic: Enlarge My Coast

Scripture Text: 1 Chronicles 4:10

The prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10 is a powerful invitation to step beyond limitation into the fullness of God’s purpose. “Oh, that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast…” speaks of a heart that desires not merely to survive, but to grow, influence, serve and make a lasting impact. 

There are different dimensions of blessings, but the expression “bless me indeed” points to a meaningful dimension of divine favour that transforms lives. This is echoed in Genesis 12:2, where God told Abraham, “I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” From the beginning, God established fruitfulness, multiplication and responsible dominion as part of His design for humanity (Genesis 1:28). 

Enlargement, therefore, is not merely about acquiring more possessions or occupying bigger spaces; it is about expanding our capacity to fulfil God’s assignment. It is the growth of our influence, the development of our gifts, the increase of our usefulness and the ability to touch more lives for the glory of God. 

Your background may explain where you started, but it does not have to determine how far you can go. The question is not only, “How much can God give me?” but also, “How much can God accomplish through me?”

HINDRANCES TO ENLARGING MY COAST

1. Laziness — Proverbs 22:29; Proverbs 21:25

Laziness wastes potential and prevents progress. God blesses the work of our hands, but diligence, discipline and commitment are required to develop our gifts and maximise opportunities. You cannot desire a bigger coast while neglecting the responsibilities already in your hands.

2. Prayerlessness — 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1

Prayerlessness disconnects us from the Source of our strength and direction. A life of consistent prayer keeps us spiritually alert, strengthens our faith and helps us remain aligned with God’s purpose. If you want divine enlargement, maintain divine connection.

3. Satanic Interference — John 10:10; Ephesians 6:12

The enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy, but Christ came that we might have life more abundantly. Spiritual opposition may arise through discouragement, temptation and obstacles, but believers must stand firm in Christ, resist evil and remain anchored in God’s Word. Opposition may challenge your progress, but it does not cancel God’s promise.

4. Lack of Perseverance — Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 12:1–2

Many people abandon their dreams and assignments because they cannot endure difficult seasons. Enlargement requires patience, endurance and the courage to keep going when results are not immediate. Do not confuse delay with denial; remain faithful to the process.

5. Unforgiveness and Broken Relationships — Ephesians 4:31–32; Colossians 3:13

Bitterness, grudges and unhealthy relationships can rob us of peace and weaken our effectiveness. Learn to forgive, pursue reconciliation where appropriate and maintain relationships that encourage growth. Do not carry yesterday’s offences into tomorrow’s opportunities.

THINGS TO DO TO ACCESS MY COAST

1. See a Bigger and Better Future — Jeremiah 1:11–12; Genesis 13:14–15

God asked Jeremiah, “What seest thou?” and instructed Abraham to lift up his eyes and look in every direction. Vision influences direction and pursuit. Refuse to allow your present circumstances to become the permanent boundaries of your expectation. Your current situation is not the final picture of your life.

2. Enlarge Your Thinking — Proverbs 23:7; Romans 12:2

Enlargement begins in the mind. Renew your thinking through the Word of God and develop a mindset of faith, growth and possibility. A limited mindset can hinder the pursuit of legitimate opportunities. If your thinking remains small, your pursuit may remain small.

3. Take Faith-Informed Risks — 2 Kings 7:3–4

The four lepers at the gate of Samaria refused to remain where they were and perish. Their decision to move became the beginning of a breakthrough. Do not allow fear of failure to prevent wise action. Pray, prepare, count the cost and move forward when the opportunity is right. Faith requires courage, but wisdom must guide your steps.

4. Be Sensitive to the Times and Opportunities — 1 Chronicles 12:32; Ecclesiastes 3:1

The men of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do. Enlargement requires discernment—the ability to recognise opportunities, understand changing circumstances and know when to act, wait or prepare. Do not be so attached to yesterday that you miss what God is doing today.

5. Develop Your Capacity Through Preparation and Service — Genesis 39; Proverbs 18:16

Joseph’s journey from Potiphar’s house to the prison and eventually the palace illustrates the value of faithfulness, character and preparation. Develop your knowledge, skills, integrity and ability to empower others. Greater assignments require greater capacity. No pain, no glory; no preparation, no sustainable enlargement.

The journey to enlargement may not be without opposition. The Israelites faced Pharaoh’s resistance before they gained freedom, yet God’s purpose prevailed. Likewise, the pursuit of greater influence, service and kingdom impact may attract challenges. 

Do not abandon a God-given assignment simply because it becomes difficult. Stand firm in faith, exercise wisdom and remain committed to your purpose. The existence of a battle does not mean the absence of a promise.

God blesses us so that we can become a blessing. He increases our influence so that we can touch more lives, and He expands our capacity so that we can serve more effectively. Enlargement minus purpose equals wasted grace. 

A person may acquire wealth, position and recognition, yet fail to use those blessings for the glory of God or the good of others. The real question is not only, “What do I want God to give me?” but also, “What will I do with what God gives me?”

True enlargement must be connected to kingdom purpose, responsibility and impact. The greatest enlargement is not simply when your territory becomes bigger, but when your life becomes more useful in the hands of God.

#𝒓𝒄𝒄𝒈𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆1𝒉𝒒

#𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒉

#𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆

#𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂