THE VISITATION THAT CHANGES STORIES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 21:1
Supporting Texts: Luke 1:68, Ruth 4:13-17, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Job 42:10-17, Exodus 3:7-8
INTRODUCTION:
There are divine visitations that change lives, but there are also visitations that completely rewrite stories. In the Scripture, we find examples of people who went from years of weeping to seasons of rejoicing simply because God visited them. When God visits, the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the long-awaited suddenly becomes fulfilled.
Sarah’s story in Genesis 21:1 is one of divine fulfilment. After years of barrenness, God’s visitation made her a mother in her old age. The same woman who was once mocked was now celebrated. This is the kind of visitation that transforms not just a moment, but an entire life narrative.
Every divine visitation is intentional and purposeful. God never visits casually—He visits to bring deliverance, fulfil promises, turn mourning into dancing, and usher His people into new seasons. Today, we shall examine the power of divine visitation that changes stories and learn how to position ourselves for such encounters.
1. GOD’S VISITATION ENDS LONG-STANDING DELAYS
When God visits, the wait is over and testimonies are born.
a) Divine Visitation Brings Fulfilment of Promises (Genesis 21:1)
God did unto Sarah exactly as He had promised—His Word never fails.
b) Delay is Not Denial When God is Involved (Habakkuk 2:3)
Even when it tarries, the appointed time of visitation will come.
c) God’s Timing is Always Perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
He makes all things beautiful in His time—not ours.
d) God Keeps Records of Tears and Prayers (Psalm 56:8)
No labour or cry goes unnoticed before the Lord.
Biblical Example: Hannah experienced a story-changing visitation that ended her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:19-20).
2. GOD’S VISITATION REVERSES SHAME AND REPROACH
Divine visitation turns public disgrace into public celebration.
a) God Lifts the Lowly and Forgotten (1 Samuel 2:8)
He raises the poor out of the dust and sets them among princes.
b) What Men Laugh At, God Turns Into Laughter (Genesis 21:6)
Sarah declared, “God has made me to laugh.”
c) Visitation Turns Tears Into Testimonies (Psalm 126:1-2)
When the Lord turned again our captivity, we were like them that dream.
d) Reproach is Rolled Away by God’s Mighty Hand (Joshua 5:9)
God removes disgrace and replaces it with dignity.
Biblical Example: Elizabeth’s barrenness became a testimony when God visited her with John the Baptist (Luke 1:24-25).
3. GOD’S VISITATION ACTIVATES DESTINY
When God visits, destinies that were dormant are awakened.
a) God’s Word Activates What Was Delayed (Jeremiah 1:12)
God watches over His Word to perform it at the right time.
b) Visitation Aligns You with God’s Plan (Romans 8:28)
All things begin to work together for your good.
c) Visitation Marks the Beginning of a New Season (Isaiah 43:19)
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth.
d) Destinies are Revived When God Steps In (Ezekiel 37:10)
Dry bones receive life again during divine visitation.
Biblical Example: Ruth’s destiny shifted when God visited Bethlehem with bread, leading her to Boaz (Ruth 1:6, Ruth 4:13–17).
4. GOD’S VISITATION DEMANDS PREPAREDNESS
You must be sensitive and ready when God decides to visit.
a) Visitation is Often Announced by Divine Signals (Amos 3:7)
God reveals His secrets to those who are spiritually alert.
b) Spiritual Sensitivity Positions You for Encounter (Luke 19:44)
Jerusalem missed her hour of visitation because she was not prepared.
c) Faith and Obedience Attract Divine Presence (Hebrews 11:6)
God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
d) Expectation is the Atmosphere for Visitation (Proverbs 23:18)
Surely there is an end, and your expectation shall not be cut off.
Biblical Example: The lame man at the pool of Bethesda was healed during a divine visitation, though many others missed it (John 5:1-9).
CONCLUSION:
The visitation that changes stories is not a myth; it is a divine reality recorded throughout Scripture. Sarah, Hannah, Ruth, and many others are living testimonies of what happens when heaven touches earth. What men consider final, God rewrites. What seems impossible becomes reality at His Word.
If you are in a season of delay, mockery, or hidden potential, be encouraged—God still visits His people. And when He visits, everything changes. Prepare your heart, align your life, and live in expectation. Your story is about to be rewritten for glory!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, visit me in this season and change my story for Your glory.
2. Father, end every long-standing delay in my life by divine visitation.
3. O God, reverse every shame and reproach in my life.
4. Activate my destiny, Lord, and align me with Your perfect will.
5. Help me to discern and prepare for my divine visitation.
