A Divine Stopover

A DIVINE STOPOVER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 10:46-52

Supporting Texts: Luke 18:35-43, Psalm 102:13, Isaiah 30:18-19, Acts 3:1-10, Revelation 3:20

INTRODUCTION:

There are moments in life when heaven decides to interrupt the normal flow of events and pay attention to an individual in need. These moments are often sudden, unplanned by men, but divinely orchestrated. Such was the case with Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52. As Jesus was passing through Jericho, He stopped—a divine stopover—for the sake of a blind beggar who refused to be silent.

Divine stopovers are life-altering. They are God's moments of mercy, turning points when delays are reversed and long-standing issues are resolved. What men bypass or ignore, God sees. What seems ordinary becomes extraordinary when touched by God’s presence. It doesn’t take long; it only takes God.

In this message, we shall explore what provokes a divine stopover and how we must position ourselves to experience one. When God chooses to stop for a man, that man’s life can never remain the same.

1. DESPERATION THAT REFUSES TO BE SILENCED

When heaven is about to stop for someone, there is often a cry that gets God’s attention.

a) Desperation Births Persistent Faith (Luke 18:1)

Those who refuse to give up in prayer are those who receive divine response.

b) Faith Must Overcome Opposition (Mark 10:48)

Though many rebuked Bartimaeus, he cried the more—a louder, deeper cry of faith.

c) Divine Encounters Often Begin with a Cry (Psalm 34:6)

The Lord hears the cry of the humble and delivers them.

d) Desperation Moves the Heart of God (Isaiah 30:19)

The Lord will rise to show you mercy when He hears your cry.

Biblical Example: Hannah cried out in desperation and received Samuel as a divine response (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

2. DIVINE TIMING THAT MUST NOT BE MISSED

Jesus was passing by once; Bartimaeus understood the urgency and acted.

a) Seasons of Visitation Are Often Brief (Luke 19:44)

You must discern the time of your visitation or risk missing it.

b) Delay Can Be Costly (Matthew 25:10)

The foolish virgins missed their divine moment because of unpreparedness.

c) Prompt Response Attracts Divine Attention (Mark 10:49)

Jesus stood still when Bartimaeus acted promptly.

d) Ignoring Divine Nudge Leads to Prolonged Waiting (Revelation 3:20)

When God knocks, we must respond quickly or miss the blessing.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus climbed a tree at the right time and received salvation in his house (Luke 19:1-10).

3. EXPECTATION THAT DRAWS DIVINE ATTENTION

Jesus did not only respond to Bartimaeus’ cry but also to his expectation.

a) Expectation is the Seed of Manifestation (Proverbs 23:18)

What you expect determines what you receive.

b) Faith Without Expectation is Powerless (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith expects the impossible and prepares for the miraculous.

c) Expectation Must Be Clear and Vocal (Mark 10:51)

Jesus asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus gave a direct answer.

d) Expectancy Invites the Supernatural (Acts 3:5)

The lame man looked at Peter and John expecting to receive something.

Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood believed, touched, and received (Mark 5:25–34).

4. IMMEDIATE CHANGE THAT FOLLOWS DIVINE VISITATION

When Jesus stops for a man, transformation is inevitable.

a) God’s Touch Brings Complete Restoration (Mark 10:52)

Immediately, Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus.

b) Divine Encounters Bring Purpose (Luke 5:10-11)

After the miracle, Simon Peter left all and followed Christ.

c) One Encounter Can Cancel Years of Pain (Isaiah 61:7)

Instead of shame, you will have double honour.

d) Divine Stopovers Mark a New Beginning (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When a man meets Christ, everything changes.

Biblical Example: Saul became Paul after one divine encounter (Acts 9:1-6).

CONCLUSION:

A divine stopover is God interrupting the normal for your supernatural transformation. Bartimaeus was blind, poor, and voiceless, but he was not hopeless. He recognised that Jesus passing by was not a coincidence—it was his divine moment. He refused to be silenced, responded with faith, and received his miracle.

Your own stopover may not come with drama, but if you are spiritually alert, desperate for God, and full of faith, heaven will stop for you. One moment of divine attention can rewrite your destiny forever. Don’t wait passively—cry out, act in faith, and prepare for God to stop over at your address.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, let my cry of faith draw Your attention today.

2. Father, don’t pass me by in the day of divine visitation.

3. I refuse to miss my divine timing—help me to be spiritually sensitive.

4. Let every barrier resisting my miracle be removed by fire.

5. Lord, open my eyes to recognise and respond to divine opportunities.