REDEEMING THE REMAINING DAYS OF THE YEAR
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 5:16
Key Verse: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 90:12; Joel 2:25-26; Ecclesiastes 7:8; John 9:4; Philippians 3:13-14
INTRODUCTION
As the year draws to a close, many people begin to reflect on opportunities missed, prayers unanswered, and expectations yet to manifest. The remaining days of the year are often underestimated, yet Scripture reveals that God specialises in restoring, completing, and redeeming time when His people respond wisely. The end of the year is not a time for resignation but a moment for divine acceleration.
God’s Word teaches us that time is a stewardship. How we respond to the final moments of a season determines how we enter the next one. Redeeming the remaining days means intentionally aligning with God’s will, correcting errors, and pressing forward with renewed faith and urgency.
This message reveals that no matter how the year has gone, God still offers grace to maximise what remains. When surrendered to Him, the remaining days can carry enough power to rewrite the narrative and end the year with purpose, peace, and testimony.
1. REDEEMING TIME REQUIRES SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
Redeeming time begins with recognising that the remaining days are valuable and loaded with divine possibilities. Spiritual awareness helps believers discern moments that must not be wasted.
a) UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE OF TIME – Time is a divine resource entrusted to man and must be handled wisely (Psalm 90:12). When time is valued, actions become intentional.
b) DISCERNING THE SEASON – Knowing the times helps believers act appropriately and strategically (1 Chronicles 12:32). Discernment prevents careless living.
c) RECOGNISING EVIL DAYS – Spiritual opposition demands wisdom and urgency (Ephesians 5:16). Awareness keeps believers proactive.
d) STAYING ALERT TO GOD’S PROMPTINGS – Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit guides timely decisions (Romans 8:14). Prompt obedience redeems time.
Biblical Example: The sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do, positioning the nation wisely (1 Chronicles 12:32).
2. REDEEMING THE REMAINING DAYS REQUIRES LETTING GO OF THE PAST
You cannot maximise what remains while being trapped by what is behind. Releasing the past creates room for divine progress.
a) REFUSING REGRET AND SELF-CONDEMNATION – Regret drains strength and hinders forward movement (Isaiah 43:18). God calls His people to look ahead.
b) LEARNING FROM MISTAKES WITHOUT DWELLING ON THEM – Wisdom extracts lessons without bondage (Proverbs 24:16). Growth comes through reflection, not fixation.
c) FORGIVING YOURSELF AND OTHERS – Unforgiveness wastes emotional and spiritual energy (Ephesians 4:32). Release restores focus.
d) PRESSING FORWARD WITH PURPOSE – God rewards those who refuse to look back (Philippians 3:13-14). Forward focus redeems time.
Biblical Example: Paul let go of his past failures and pressed toward the high calling of God with focus and urgency (Philippians 3:13-14).
3. REDEEMING THE REMAINING DAYS DEMANDS DILIGENT ACTION
Good intentions without action waste precious time. Redeeming the days requires purposeful labour and obedience.
a) ACTING WHILE OPPORTUNITY EXISTS – Delay can forfeit divine moments (John 9:4). Urgency keeps destiny on track.
b) MAXIMISING SMALL OPPORTUNITIES – God often works through what seems little (Zechariah 4:10). Faithfulness attracts increase.
c) COMMITTING TO WHAT MATTERS MOST – Priorities determine productivity (Matthew 6:33). Kingdom focus redeems effort.
d) SERVING GOD WITH DILIGENCE – God honours faithful service even at the end of a season (Colossians 3:23-24). Labour in the Lord is never wasted.
Biblical Example: Nehemiah rebuilt the wall with urgency and focus despite opposition, completing the work in record time (Nehemiah 6:15-16).
4. REDEEMING THE REMAINING DAYS INVOLVES TRUSTING GOD FOR RESTORATION
God has the power to restore what time and circumstances seem to have taken away. Faith unlocks divine recovery.
a) BELIEVING IN GOD’S RESTORATIVE POWER – God can recover lost years and opportunities (Joel 2:25626). Nothing is beyond His reach.
b) TRUSTING GOD’S TIMING – God completes His work beautifully in His time (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Patience partners with faith.
c) EXPECTING DIVINE COMPLETION – God finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). Expectation invites fulfilment.
d) REJOICING IN ADVANCE – Praise expresses faith in God’s restorative work (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Joy strengthens hope.
Biblical Example: Job experienced restoration at the latter end when God turned his captivity (Job 42:10-12).
CONCLUSION
The remaining days of the year are not ordinary; they are pregnant with divine possibilities. When surrendered to God, these days can bring restoration, completion, and renewed direction. What matters is not how much time is left, but how wisely it is used.
As you redeem the remaining days through awareness, obedience, diligence, and faith, you will end this year stronger, wiser, and fulfilled. You shall not waste the days left; instead, they shall work together for your good and God’s glory.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, open my eyes to recognise the value of the remaining days of this year.
2. Lord, deliver me from every form of spiritual carelessness and delay.
3. I receive grace to redeem lost time and opportunities.
4. Father, help me to let go of past regrets and disappointments.
5. Renew my strength and focus for purposeful living.
6. Lord, order my steps to make wise decisions before this year ends.
7. I receive divine speed to complete unfinished assignments.
8. Father, restore every good thing I lost this year.
9. Let my remaining days produce visible results and testimonies.
10. I declare that I shall finish this year strong and fulfilled.
