TURN BY TURN

Title: TURN BY TURN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1 
Supporting Texts: Genesis 21:1-3, 1 Samuel 16:11-13, Esther 2:15-17

INTRODUCTION
In life, everyone has a specific time and season appointed by God. The phrase "Turn by Turn" highlights the principle that everyone has their appointed time for a breakthrough, blessing, and elevation. In our journey of faith, it can be tempting to become discouraged when it seems like others are experiencing their blessings while we are still waiting. However, the Bible assures us that God has a perfect time for everything. Today, we will explore the importance of understanding God's timing, trusting Him through the waiting season, and recognizing that your turn will surely come.

1. UNDERSTANDING GOD’S TIMING 

a) There is a Season for Everything 
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." God's plan is never random or out of order. He operates within a divine timetable where everything happens in its proper time. Even when it seems like things are delayed, God’s timing is always perfect.

b) God’s Timing is Different from Human Timing 
In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Bible tells us that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours. While we may want things to happen immediately, God often uses the waiting period to prepare us for what is ahead. Trusting in God's timing requires patience and faith, believing that He knows when the right moment is for our breakthrough.

Biblical Example: Sarah’s Turn for Fulfillment (Genesis 21:1-3) 
Sarah had waited many years for the fulfilment of God's promise of a child. Although it seemed delayed, her appointed time eventually came, and she gave birth to Isaac. God's promise did not fail; it was fulfilled in its perfect time.

2. WAITING FOR YOUR TURN 

a) Trusting God in the Waiting Season 
The waiting period can be difficult, especially when it seems like others are receiving their turn while yours is delayed. However, waiting on God is an act of faith. Isaiah 40:31 encourages us that "those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." God uses the waiting period to develop character, faith, and perseverance in us.

b) Don't Compare Yourself with Others
It is easy to become discouraged when we see others receiving their breakthroughs. However, comparison can rob us of our peace and cause us to lose focus. We must remember that God’s plan for our lives is unique, and our turn will come in His perfect time. Instead of comparing, we should celebrate others and trust that our own season is coming.

Biblical Example: David’s Turn for Kingship (1 Samuel 16:11-13) 
David was anointed as king while tending sheep, but it was not until many years later that he ascended to the throne. During the waiting period, David trusted God and continued to serve faithfully, knowing that his appointed time would come.

3. WHEN YOUR TURN COMES 

a) God Makes All Things Beautiful in Its Time 
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." When your turn comes, God brings everything together in such a way that it is not only timely but also beautiful. What seemed delayed will be worth the wait because God’s intervention will exceed your expectations.

b) The Supernatural Manifestation of God’s Promise 
When your turn comes, expect a divine and supernatural manifestation of God’s promises. The breakthrough will not only be evident but will also bring glory to God and serve as a testimony to others. God's timing brings joy, fulfilment and peace that human efforts cannot achieve.

Biblical Example: Esther’s Turn for Favour (Esther 2:15-17) 
Esther waited her turn to appear before the king, and when it came, she found favour in his sight and was chosen to be queen. God's favour was upon her at the right time, and it positioned her for greatness.

4. HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR YOUR TURN 

a) Stay Faithful in the Waiting Period 
Like David and Joseph, remain faithful in whatever season you find yourself. While waiting for your turn, continue to serve, trust God, and obey His commands. Faithfulness in the little things prepares you for greater things.

b) Keep Praying and Believing 
Prayer keeps your faith strong while you wait for your turn. Luke 18:1 encourages us to always pray and not give up. Persistent prayer aligns us with God’s will and helps us remain hopeful, knowing that our turn is on the way.

Biblical Example:  Hannah's Turn for a Child (1 Samuel 1:9-20) 
Hannah prayed earnestly for a child while enduring years of barrenness. Her persistence in prayer eventually led to her appointed time when she gave birth to Samuel. Her testimony reminds us that prayer is key to receiving God's blessings in due time.

5. REJOICING IN YOUR TURN
 
a) Your Testimony Will Inspire Others 
When your turn comes, your testimony will serve as an encouragement to others. Just as we are encouraged by the testimonies of those who came before us, your own story will show others that God is faithful and that their turn will also come.

b) Your Turn Brings Joy and Restoration 
When your appointed time arrives, there is great joy and restoration. What was lost during the waiting season is restored, and God gives you more than you imagined. Psalm 126:1-2 says, "When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy."

Biblical Example: Joseph’s Turn for Elevation (Genesis 41:39-44) 
Joseph endured years of trials, from being sold into slavery to being imprisoned. But when his turn came, God elevated him to second-in-command in Egypt. His story of restoration and elevation shows us that no matter how long we have waited, God’s turn brings joy and fulfilment

CONCLUSION 
Life is a journey of seasons, and everyone has their appointed time for breakthrough, success, and divine intervention. Trust in God's perfect timing and know that your turn will surely come. Do not be discouraged by delays or by seeing others receive their blessings. Celebrate their victories, knowing that God is faithful to bring you into your own season of testimony. Your turn is coming, and when it arrives, it will be beautiful, powerful, and filled with joy.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Father, help me to trust in Your perfect timing for my life. 

2. Lord, grant me patience and faith as I wait for my appointed time. 

3. Father, let my season of breakthrough manifest in Jesus' name. 

4. Lord, I refuse to be discouraged by delays, for I know my turn is coming. 

5. Father, prepare me for the blessings that You have set apart for my life. 

6. Lord, help me to celebrate others while I wait for my own testimony. 

7. Father, when my turn comes, let it bring joy, peace, and restoration. 

8. Lord, let my testimony inspire others and bring glory to Your name. 

9. Father, I declare that my waiting season will turn into a season of rejoicing. 

10. Lord, make all things beautiful in my life in Your perfect time.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. I declare that your turn for breakthrough has come in Jesus’ name. 

2. I prophesy that every delay in your life is being turned around for your good. 

3. I declare that the appointed time for your elevation is here. 

4. I prophesy that God will make all things beautiful in your life in His time. 

5. I declare that your testimony will inspire others and bring them hope. 

6. I prophesy that the joy of the Lord will fill your heart as your turn manifests. 

7. I declare that God’s favour will locate you in this season of your life. 

8. I prophesy that no obstacle will stop your appointed time from manifesting. 

9. I declare that your season of laughter and rejoicing has begun. 

10. I prophesy that your turn for divine intervention is now in Jesus’ name.