RECOGNISING AND PREPARING FOR TIMES OF VISITATION

RECOGNISING AND PREPARING FOR TIMES OF VISITATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 19:41-44

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 1 Chronicles 12:32, Matthew 25:1-13, Amos 3:7

INTRODUCTION:
God’s visitation is a special moment when He moves powerfully and directly in the lives of His people. These divine appointments often bring breakthroughs, miracles, and fulfilment of long-awaited promises. However, not every believer recognises these moments or is prepared to receive them fully. The Bible reveals that to partake of God’s visitation, we must cultivate spiritual sensitivity and readiness. Understanding the times and seasons of God’s work is crucial for us to align with His divine plan and walk in the blessings He has prepared.

The Scriptures repeatedly remind us that there is a season for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This includes times when God moves in a special way to change the course of our lives. Yet, recognising these seasons requires spiritual discernment, which God grants to those who seek His face earnestly. The sons of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32 were noted for their ability to understand the times and know what Israel should do. This same insight is available to every believer willing to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, preparation is vital in receiving God’s visitation. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) highlights the importance of spiritual readiness and perseverance. Holiness, obedience, and faith are foundational in positioning ourselves for God’s move. As we explore this topic, we will uncover how to recognise these divine moments and prepare ourselves through practical spiritual steps that make us ready to receive from heaven without delay or disappointment.

1. GOD HAS A SEASON FOR EVERYTHING
God’s divine timetable controls every event, including seasons of visitation. Understanding this prepares you to receive in God’s perfect timing.

a) There is a Time for Every Purpose
Ecclesiastes 3:1 teaches that God has set appointed times for all things under heaven.

b) God’s Timing is Perfect
Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us that God’s timing may seem delayed, but it is always on time.

c) Visitation May Come Unexpectedly
Ecclesiastes 11:4 warns not to wait for perfect conditions; God’s move can be sudden.

d) Prepare Your Heart to Receive God’s Timing
Psalm 27:14 calls for patient waiting on the Lord and trusting His plans.

Biblical Example:
Jesus’ arrival at Jerusalem marked a pivotal visitation to the city (Luke 19:41–44).

2. DEVELOP SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY TO RECOGNISE GOD’S MOVEMENT
Discernment enables believers to detect and respond to God’s visitation.

a) Understanding the Times is a Gift
1 Chronicles 12:32 honours those who have insight into the seasons and know what to do.

b) God Reveals His Plans to His Prophets
Amos 3:7 declares God does nothing without revealing it first to His servants.

c) Pray for Spiritual Eyes and Ears
Matthew 16:3 teaches that we must discern the signs of the times spiritually.

d) Stay Connected to Avoid Spiritual Blindness
John 9:39–41 warns against unbelief that blinds us to God’s workings.

Biblical Example:
The sons of Issachar had the wisdom to understand Israel’s times and advised accordingly (1 Chronicles 12:32).

3. PREPARE YOURSELF THROUGH HOLINESS AND OBEDIENCE
God’s visitation requires a pure and obedient heart ready to welcome His presence.

a) Be Spiritually Ready Like the Wise Virgins
Matthew 25:1–13 teaches readiness through having enough oil (Holy Spirit) to meet the bridegroom.

b) Holiness Attracts God’s Presence
Hebrews 12:14 exhorts believers to pursue peace and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

c) Obedience Opens the Door for Blessings
Joshua 1:7 instructs to be strong and obey God’s law to prosper wherever you go.

d) Avoid Lukewarmness
Revelation 3:15–16 condemns spiritual lukewarmness that causes God to reject us.

Biblical Example:
The wise virgins who prepared themselves were welcomed into the marriage feast (Matthew 25:1–13).

4. ACT FAITHFULLY TO HARVEST THE FRUITS OF VISITATION
Recognising and preparing must lead to faithful action to receive God’s full blessings.

a) Missed Opportunities Bring Regret
Luke 19:41–44 shows Jesus weeping over Jerusalem because it failed to recognise its visitation.

b) Faith Without Works is Dead
James 2:17 stresses that faith must be accompanied by action to be effective.

c) Be Faithful With What God Gives You
1 Corinthians 4:2 teaches that faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities.

d) Testify to Strengthen Others
Psalm 66:16 encourages sharing testimonies to inspire faith in the body of Christ.

Biblical Example:
The persistent widow acted in faith and received justice through her perseverance (Luke 18:1–7).

CONCLUSION:
Recognising and preparing for times of visitation is essential to walking in God’s best for your life. These divine seasons are not random; they are part of God’s perfect plan and timing. As you cultivate spiritual sensitivity, pursue holiness, and walk in obedience, you position yourself to receive God’s blessings fully and without delay.

Never allow complacency or spiritual blindness to cause you to miss your divine appointment. Instead, respond with faith and action, knowing that God is ready to pour out His favour, breakthrough, and miracles in your life. Stand firm in readiness and trust that your season of visitation is now at hand.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, open my eyes to recognise Your visitation in my life.
2. Father, teach me to understand and embrace Your timing.
3. Help me to live a holy and obedient life to receive Your blessings.
4. Fill me with the Holy Spirit to be ready like the wise virgins.
5. Strengthen my faith to act on every opportunity You provide.
6. Deliver me from complacency and spiritual blindness.
7. Grant me discernment to hear and obey Your voice promptly.
8. Prepare my heart to welcome Your presence continually.
9. Let my life testify of Your faithfulness in every season.
10. Empower me to encourage others to prepare for Your visitation.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will not miss your divine visitation; God is opening doors for you.
2. Your spirit is awakened to discern the times and seasons of God’s move.
3. You are positioned for supernatural breakthroughs in this season.
4. The Holy Spirit fills you with readiness and strength for your appointment.
5. Your obedience unlocks blessings that no one can hinder.
6. You walk in holiness and favour that attract God’s presence.
7. Your faith activates the manifestation of God’s promises.
8. Your testimony will inspire many to prepare and receive God’s visitation.
9. God’s timing in your life is perfect, and you will prosper in all you do.
10. The peace and joy of God’s visitation will saturate your life continually.