IN THE PROCESS OF TIME

IN THE PROCESS OF TIME...

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 11:1-11
"Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah." (Judges 11:1)

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Isaiah 60:22, Romans 8:28, Psalm 75:6-7, 1 Samuel 16:7

INTRODUCTION:
The story of Jephthah is a powerful reminder that the process of time can transform a person’s life in unexpected ways. Born as the son of a harlot and rejected by his own family, Jephthah faced great adversity. Yet, in the process of time, he became a mighty man of valour—an unlikely hero who was sought out by the very people who had once driven him away. This story teaches us that regardless of our beginnings or current circumstances, God’s purpose for us will come to pass in His perfect timing. Through time, perseverance, and faith, we can rise above our challenges and walk into the destiny God has prepared for us.

1. THE UNLIKELY BEGINNING
Jephthah’s journey begins in a place of rejection and shame, yet God had a plan for him.

a) Born of Rejection
Jephthah was the son of a harlot, and as a result, he was not welcomed by his legitimate siblings.

b) Driven Out by His Own Family
When Jephthah’s father died, his brothers drove him out, claiming there was no inheritance for him.

c) The Stigma of His Birth
The stigma of being born out of wedlock was a constant reminder of his lowly status in society.

d) A Rejected Man Becomes a Fighter
Though rejected, Jephthah did not remain idle. He became a man of strength, and his character was formed through adversity.

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus was also rejected by those closest to Him, yet He became the Savior of the world (Matthew 13:57).

2. GOD'S TIMING IN THE PROCESS
In the process of time, God orchestrates events for His purpose.

a) God’s Timing is Always Perfect
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that "To everything there is a season," and God's timing is flawless.

b) God's Purpose Is Bigger Than Our Past
Jephthah’s past did not determine his future. God's purpose transcends our beginnings and history.

c) The Process of Time Develops Character
Through time, Jephthah was able to develop into a strong leader. His adversity built his character and leadership abilities.

d) God's Plan Unfolds in His Time
In the right season, God brought Jephthah into the position He had purposed for him.

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph was also rejected and thrown into prison, but in the process of time, he became the second in command in Egypt (Genesis 41:46).

3. FROM REJECTION TO LEADERSHIP
Jephthah’s rejection became the catalyst for his elevation.

a) A Time of Preparation
Before Jephthah was called to lead, he was a warrior in the land of Tob, gaining experience and followers.

b) The Cry for a Leader
When the Ammonites came to fight against Gilead, the elders of Gilead remembered Jephthah and sought him out to be their leader.

c) The Power of God's Elevation
Jephthah did not have to seek leadership; God brought it to him in His timing.

d) God Uses Rejection as Preparation for Promotion
The rejection Jephthah faced led him to a position where he could prove his worth as a leader.

e) Biblical Example:
David, once a shepherd boy, was anointed king by Samuel, even though his brothers were initially overlooked (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

4. STEPPING INTO YOUR PURPOSE IN THE PROCESS OF TIME
The process of time leads to divine promotion.

a) Trust the Process
Even in difficult times, we must trust that God is at work, shaping us for His purpose.

b) Be Prepared for the Opportunity
Jephthah did not waste time during his rejection; he prepared for the moment when God would call him to lead.

c) Humility Precedes Promotion
When Jephthah was called, he did not boast or take offense. He humbly accepted his role as leader.

d) God’s Promotion is Greater than Man’s Recognition
The elders of Gilead came to Jephthah, not based on his family status but because of his proven abilities.

e) Biblical Example:
Esther’s time of preparation, though difficult, led to her elevation as queen and the deliverance of her people (Esther 4:14).

5. THE REDEMPTIVE POWER OF GOD’S TIMING
Jephthah’s story illustrates how God can redeem our past to fulfill His purposes.

a) God Redeems Our Rejection
Jephthah’s past rejection did not disqualify him from God’s purpose. Instead, God used it as a stepping stone to his destiny.

b) God Can Turn Your Pain Into Purpose
The difficulties Jephthah faced became the very things that qualified him to lead in his time of destiny.

c) God’s Timing Brings Restoration
God restored Jephthah’s reputation, allowing him to lead the very people who once rejected him.

d) God Uses All Things for Our Good
Romans 8:28 assures us that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

e) Biblical Example:
Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, was redeemed by God and became one of the most influential apostles (Acts 9:15-16).

CONCLUSION:
Jephthah’s story teaches us that in the process of time, God can transform any situation, no matter how dire, into an opportunity for His glory. What others may reject, God can use for His divine purpose. No matter where you find yourself today—rejected, overlooked, or forgotten—remember that in the process of time, God can turn things around for your good. Keep trusting Him, keep preparing, and when the right time comes, He will elevate you beyond your wildest expectations.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me trust in Your perfect timing in every area of my life.

2. I declare that my past rejection will not hinder my future promotion.

3. Father, help me to prepare during times of adversity, knowing You are working behind the scenes.

4. I renounce every limitation and declare that God’s purpose for me shall prevail.

5. Lord, give me the grace to embrace the process that leads to my elevation.

6. I declare that every door that has been shut will open at the appointed time.

7. Father, turn my pain into purpose for Your kingdom.

8. I receive the strength to rise above every challenge and fulfill my divine destiny.

9. Lord, redeem every area of my life for Your glory.

10. Father, I trust You to use my story for Your purpose and to bring restoration in my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Every rejection in your life is being turned into a platform for divine promotion.

2. You are stepping into your season of elevation, and nothing will hinder your rise.

3. God is using your past struggles to build your future victories.

4. Your time of preparation is not in vain; God is setting you up for greatness.

5. The very people who rejected you will seek your help in this season of your life.

6. You will rise above every obstacle that has tried to hold you back.

7. God is redeeming your past for His glory and your good.

8. You are moving into a season of divine restoration and favour.

9. Your destiny is unfolding, and no one can stop what God has ordained for you.

10. In the process of time, you will see God’s perfect plan unfold in your life.

May God grant you the grace to trust the process and to rise into the fullness of your purpose in His time. In Jesus' name, Amen!