THE GOD OF THE LAST MINUTE

Title: THE GOD OF THE LAST MINUTE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 11:38-44
Supporting Texts: Exodus 14:10-31, Daniel 3:16-28, Matthew 14:25-32

INTRODUCTION:
God is never late, even when it seems He arrives at the last minute. In His sovereignty, He operates outside human timing, ensuring that His glory is revealed in every situation. Throughout the Bible, God shows up when all hope seems lost to turn situations around miraculously. This message explores how God intervenes in the "last minute" to bring deliverance, restore hope, and glorify His name.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE "LAST MINUTE" GOD

a) God’s Timing is Perfect
God’s delays are not denials; they are opportunities for His glory to manifest (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

b) His Ways are Higher
God’s methods often defy human logic, but they lead to the best outcomes (Isaiah 55:8-9).

c) Builds Faith and Patience
Waiting on God strengthens our trust in Him and builds spiritual maturity (Romans 5:3-4).

d) Displays His Sovereignty
God intervenes when all human efforts fail to show that He is in control (Psalm 46:10).

e) Biblical Example: The resurrection of Lazarus after four days in the grave demonstrated God’s power over death (John 11:38-44).

2. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF GOD'S LAST-MINUTE INTERVENTION

a) The Red Sea Miracle
When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, God parted the sea (Exodus 14:21-22).

b) The Fiery Furnace
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were delivered from the flames when they refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol (Daniel 3:25).

c) Peter’s Rescue
Peter was delivered from prison the night before his scheduled execution (Acts 12:6-11).

d) The Woman with the Issue of Blood
After 12 years of suffering, she received healing by touching Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:25-34).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus walked on water to rescue the disciples from a storm at the fourth watch of the night (Matthew 14:25-32).

3. WHY GOD SHOWS UP AT THE LAST MINUTE

a) To Test Our Faith
God allows us to reach the end of ourselves to strengthen our reliance on Him (James 1:3).

b) To Display His Glory
His interventions reveal His power and sovereignty to all (John 9:3).

c) To Humble Us
Last-minute miracles remind us that we cannot succeed without God (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

d) To Build a Testimony
Delayed interventions create powerful testimonies that inspire others (Psalm 40:1-3).

e) Biblical Example: The deliverance of Daniel from the lions’ den demonstrated God’s supremacy to King Darius and his kingdom (Daniel 6:22-27).

4. LESSONS FOR BELIEVERS

a) Trust God’s Timing
Remember that God is never late but always on time (Isaiah 40:31).

b) Maintain Faith in Trials
Stay steadfast in faith even when the situation seems impossible (Hebrews 10:23).

c) Engage in Persistent Prayer
Pray without ceasing, knowing that God hears and will answer (Luke 18:1-8).

d) Avoid Fear and Doubt
Fear and doubt can hinder you from seeing God’s intervention (Mark 5:36).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham believed God’s promise of a son despite his old age, and Isaac was born (Genesis 21:1-2).

5. HOW TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S LAST-MINUTE MIRACLES

a) Build a Strong Relationship with God
Stay connected to God through worship, prayer, and obedience (John 15:5).

b) Stand on God’s Promises
Hold on to the Word of God and claim His promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).

c) Keep Praising God
Praise shifts the atmosphere and invites God’s presence (Psalm 22:3).

d) Surrender Completely
Let go of your struggles and trust God to take control (Proverbs 3:5-6).

e) Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat’s army praised God and saw victory without fighting (2 Chronicles 20:21-24).

CONCLUSION:
God specialises in last-minute miracles, turning hopeless situations into testimonies of His power and faithfulness. He works in ways that defy human understanding, ensuring that He alone is glorified. Trust in His timing and hold on to His promises, knowing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I trust in Your perfect timing for my life.

2. Father, show up for me in every hopeless situation.

3. Lord, strengthen my faith to wait patiently on You.

4. By Your power, let every delay turn into a testimony.

5. Father, let Your glory be revealed in my life.

6. Lord, silence every voice of doubt and fear in my heart.

7. I declare that no situation is impossible for You to turn around.

8. Lord, grant me grace to persevere in prayer until I see Your hand.

9. Father, intervene in my family and bring breakthroughs.

10. I declare that my last-minute testimony is coming in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. The Lord will show up for you at the eleventh hour.

2. Every impossible situation in your life will become a testimony.

3. You will experience divine intervention when all hope seems lost.

4. God’s timing will bring you joy and celebration.

5. The Lord will glorify Himself through your life.

6. Every delay in your life will lead to a greater testimony.

7. Your faith will not fail as you wait on the Lord.

8. The God of the last minute will fight your battles.

9. You will experience supernatural breakthroughs this season.

10. Your testimony will inspire others to trust in God’s faithfulness.