LAST MINUTE MIRACLE

Title: LAST MINUTE MIRACLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 2:1-11
“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’ Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.’ And they took it. When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, ‘Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!’ This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”

Supporting Texts: Exodus 14:21-22, Matthew 20:1-16, Mark 5:35-42

INTRODUCTION:
The last minute miracle is one of the most powerful displays of God’s glory. It is a moment when all human effort has been exhausted, and there seems to be no solution. It is at this point that God steps in to perform a miracle that is nothing short of extraordinary. Just like in the wedding at Cana, where the wine ran out at the last moment, God stepped in with a last minute solution that not only saved the situation but exceeded expectations. This sermon will explore the concept of last minute miracles, emphasizing how God works in our lives when time is running out.

1. GOD SPECIALIZES IN LAST MINUTE MIRACLES

a) No Situation Is Beyond God's Power:
God has the ability to turn situations around when it seems like all hope is gone (Luke 1:37).

b) God's Timing is Perfect:
He knows exactly when to step in to change the course of events (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

c) Overcoming Human Limitations:
Human limitations are not a hindrance to God's ability to perform miracles at the last minute (Jeremiah 32:17).

d) Faith Unlocks the Miracle:
Even at the last minute, faith in God's power and willingness to intervene is key (Mark 9:23).

e) Biblical Example: In John 2, when the wedding ran out of wine, Jesus stepped in at the last moment and performed His first miracle, turning water into wine, showing that God works powerfully when all seems lost.

2. THE PURPOSE OF LAST MINUTE MIRACLES

a) To Manifest God's Glory:
The last minute miracle is a platform for God to show His glory to the world (John 2:11).

b) To Increase Our Faith:
When God steps in at the last moment, it strengthens our faith and trust in His ability to intervene (Matthew 14:31).

c) To Show His Sovereignty:
The last minute miracle affirms that God is in control of every situation (Psalm 115:3).

d) To Exceed Our Expectations:
God's last minute intervention often exceeds what we expect or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

e) Biblical Example: In Exodus 14, when the Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, God parted the waters at the last moment, not only saving them but also demonstrating His supremacy over all forces.

3. HOW TO RECEIVE A LAST MINUTE MIRACLE

a) Stay Persistent in Faith:
Don’t give up, even when it seems like time is running out; God can still intervene (Luke 18:1-8).

b) Obey God’s Instructions:
The key to receiving a last minute miracle is obedience to God's instructions, no matter how unusual they may seem (John 2:5).

c) Keep Praying:
Last minute miracles often follow persistent prayer, so continue to pray and trust in God's timing (Matthew 7:7).

d) Expect the Unexpected:
Expect God to show up at the last moment and do what only He can do (Romans 4:18-21).

e) Biblical Example: In Mark 5, Jairus’ daughter was declared dead, but Jesus arrived just in time to heal her, showing that it is never too late for God to intervene.

4. THE IMPACT OF LAST MINUTE MIRACLES

a) It Restores Hope:
A last minute miracle brings hope to situations that seem hopeless (Romans 5:5).

b) It Brings Joy and Celebration:
When God works a miracle at the last moment, it brings joy and celebration to those who witness it (Psalm 126:1-3).

c) It Strengthens Our Testimony:
Last minute miracles become powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness and power (Revelation 12:11).

d) It Redefines Our Understanding of God’s Power:
The last minute miracle shows us that God's power is greater than any circumstance or time limit (Luke 1:37).

e) Biblical Example: In Matthew 20, when the laborers who worked only the last hour were paid the same as those who worked all day, it showed the generosity and timing of God’s blessings, which can come at the last moment.

5. EXPECTING THE LAST MINUTE MIRACLE

a) Don't Limit God’s Power:
Never limit God’s ability to perform miracles, no matter how late it may seem (Isaiah 59:1).

b) Trust in His Unfailing Love:
God's love for us ensures that He will never abandon us, even in the zero hour (Psalm 36:7).

c) Stay in the Position of Prayer:
Prayer is the key to seeing God move at the last moment, so stay in the place of consistent prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).

d) Watch for God’s Unusual Ways:
God often works in unexpected ways, so be open to His leading (Isaiah 55:8-9).

e) Biblical Example: In Luke 1, when the angel told Zechariah and Elizabeth that they would have a child in their old age, it was a last minute miracle that showed God’s faithfulness, despite their past barrenness.

CONCLUSION:
The God of the last minute miracle is the same God who parted the Red Sea, turned water into wine, and healed the sick. He specializes in showing up just when all hope seems lost and turning situations around. Never lose hope, because God can step into your situation at the last moment and perform a miracle that will bring glory to His name and exceed all expectations.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I thank You for being the God of the last minute who steps in when all hope is gone.

2. Lord, I believe that You will work miracles in my life at the appointed time.

3. Father, intervene in my situation right now, and show me Your glory.

4. Lord, grant me the faith to believe in Your timing, even when things seem hopeless.

5. Father, I pray for a last minute miracle in my finances, health, and relationships.

6. Lord, let Your intervention at the last moment bring joy and celebration in my life.

7. Father, I declare that my miracle is coming forth at the appointed time.

8. Lord, help me to stay persistent in prayer, knowing that You answer in Your time.

9. Father, I receive Your supernatural intervention in my situation right now.

10. Lord, I thank You for the testimony of the last minute miracle I am about to share.