REDEEMING THE TIME IN A NEW SEASON

REDEEMING THE TIME IN A NEW SEASON

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:  Ephesians 5:15-16

Key Verse:  “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”. — Ephesians 5:15-16 (KJV)

Supporting Texts:  Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalm 90:12; Colossians 4:5; John 9:4; Galatians 6:9-10

Description:
A divine call to wise living, spiritual discernment, and intentional use of time in a new season.

INTRODUCTION:
Time is one of the greatest gifts God has given to humanity, yet it is often the most misunderstood and mismanaged. While people pray for long life and divine increase, many fail to recognise that the quality of life is determined by how time is used. Scripture consistently teaches that wisdom is revealed through intentional living and proper stewardship of time.

As believers step into a new season, especially at the beginning of a year, there is a strong spiritual demand to evaluate how past seasons were spent and how upcoming days will be maximised. God operates by times and seasons, and every season carries divine opportunities, responsibilities, and expectations. Failure to align with God’s timing often leads to stagnation, delay, and regret.

The apostle Paul admonishes believers to redeem the time because the days are evil. This reveals that time can be wasted, stolen, or corrupted if not consciously guarded. In this new season, God is calling His people to live deliberately, walk wisely, and ensure that every moment contributes meaningfully to destiny fulfilment and eternal impact.

1. THE DIVINE VALUE AND NATURE OF TIME
Time is not a random occurrence but a sacred trust given by God, and every individual will give an account of how it was used.

a) Time is a divine trust (Psalm 90:12).  God expects believers to number their days wisely because time is a stewardship that must be managed with spiritual understanding and intentionality.

b) Time is limited and irreversible (Job 14:5).  Every person operates within divinely determined boundaries, making it crucial to act with urgency and purpose before opportunities expire.

c) Time reveals a person’s priorities. (Matthew 6:21)
What consistently receives your time reflects what holds the highest value in your heart and determines the direction of your life.

d) Time is connected to destiny fulfilment. (John 9:4)
Destiny is accomplished through timely obedience, and missed moments can result in delayed or unfulfilled purpose.

Biblical Example:
Esau treated his moment lightly and lost his birthright, demonstrating how careless use of time and opportunity can lead to irreversible loss (Genesis 25:29-34).

2. DISCERNING SEASONS AND DIVINE OPPORTUNITIES
God works through seasons, and spiritual success depends largely on the ability to recognise and respond appropriately to each one.
Lack of discernment leads to wasted seasons, while spiritual sensitivity positions believers to take advantage of God-ordained opportunities.

a) Every season has a divine purpose. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
No season is meaningless; each one carries specific instructions and expectations from God.

b) Opportunities are time-bound. (Galatians 6:10)
Divine opportunities do not last forever, and delayed response can result in permanent loss.

c) Discernment unlocks timely decisions. (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Understanding the times enables believers to make decisions that align with God’s agenda and avoid unnecessary delay.

d) Procrastination is a destiny thief. (Proverbs 6:6-11)
Delaying action often results in regret and the loss of God-given opportunities.

Biblical Example:
The foolish virgins missed their opportunity to enter because they failed to prepare on time, illustrating the danger of spiritual delay (Matthew 25:1-13).

3. WALKING WISELY IN AN EVIL AND DISTRACTED WORLD
The days are described as evil because distractions, temptations, and spiritual opposition constantly seek to waste the believer’s time.
Walking wisely is not optional for believers; it is essential for spiritual preservation and destiny advancement.

a) Wisdom preserves productive time. (Ephesians 5:15)
Wise living prevents unnecessary losses and ensures that effort produces meaningful results.

b) Distractions drain spiritual energy. (Luke 10:40-42)
Even good activities can distract from God’s best and consume time meant for higher purpose.

c) Sin shortens fruitful seasons. (Romans 6:21)
Sin wastes time, weakens spiritual capacity, and leaves behind regret rather than reward.

d) Discipline sustains focus and consistency. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27)
Self-control keeps believers aligned with purpose despite pressure and opposition.

Biblical Example:
Samson wasted divine potential through careless living and lost his season of strength and influence (Judges 16:1-21).

4. REDEEMING TIME THROUGH SPIRITUAL PRIORITIES
Time is redeemed when life is reordered around God’s priorities rather than human convenience or worldly pressure.
Spiritual disciplines are divine tools for recovering lost seasons and realigning believers with purpose.

a) Seeking God first reorders time. (Matthew 6:33)
Putting God first brings clarity, direction, and divine efficiency into daily living.

b) Prayer restores wasted seasons. (Joel 2:25)
Through prayer, God has the power to restore years lost to error, delay, and ignorance.

c) The Word of God provides direction. (Psalm 119:105)
Scripture illuminates the right path and prevents costly mistakes.

d) Obedience accelerates destiny. (Deuteronomy 28:1)
Prompt obedience shortens waiting periods and releases divine blessings.

Biblical Example:
Daniel prioritised prayer and devotion, and God redeemed his time with preservation, promotion, and influence (Daniel 6:10-28).

CONCLUSION:
God has graciously brought us into a new season filled with divine opportunities, but these opportunities require wisdom, discipline, and intentional living. Redeeming the time is not about being busy but about aligning every moment with God’s purpose and agenda.

As you walk into this new season, choose to live wisely, discern times accurately, and invest your days in things that carry eternal value. As you redeem the time, God will redeem your seasons, restore lost years, and lead you into visible and lasting testimonies.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, grant me divine wisdom to redeem my time in this new season.
2. Lord, deliver me from every distraction assigned to waste my days.
3. Holy Spirit, sharpen my discernment for times and seasons.
4. O God, restore every season I have wasted through ignorance or delay.
5. Father, help me to prioritise spiritual things above temporary pursuits.
6. Lord, uproot laziness and procrastination from my life.
7. Let my time produce results that glorify Your name.
8. O God, order my steps into profitable and purposeful engagements.
9. Father, empower me to walk wisely in an evil world.
10. This year, I shall not labour in vain, in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall redeem every lost season by the mercy of God.
2. Your time shall no longer be wasted on unprofitable pursuits.
3. You shall recognise and seize divine opportunities promptly.
4. Wisdom shall guide every decision you make this year.
5. You shall walk in alignment with God’s timing and purpose.
6. Every power assigned to distract you is losing its grip over your life.
7. You shall fulfil destiny without delay or regret.
8. Your efforts this season shall yield visible and lasting results.
9. You shall finish every divine assignment strong and fulfilled.
10. This new season shall usher you into undeniable testimonies.