THE GOD WHO DELIVERS AT THE LAST MINUTE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 11:39-44; Genesis 22:10-14
Key Verse: “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.” — Genesis 22:13
Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:1; Daniel 3:24-25; Exodus 14:13-14; Hebrews 11:17-19; Isaiah 41:10
INTRODUCTION
There are moments in life when deliverance seems delayed and help appears distant. Prayers have been prayed, faith has been exercised, yet circumstances continue to intensify. It is in such seasons that many wonder why God waits until the very last moment to intervene.
However, Scripture consistently reveals a pattern: God’s delays are never denials. He often allows situations to reach their apparent breaking point so that when He steps in, His power becomes unmistakable. Last-minute deliverance magnifies divine sovereignty and silences human pride.
The God we serve is never late. He operates outside human timelines and intervenes precisely at the appointed moment. When it appears that all hope is gone, heaven is often preparing a dramatic manifestation. He is the God who delivers at the last minute.
1. GOD ALLOWS TESTS TO REACH THEIR CLIMAX
Before divine intervention, faith is often stretched to its limit.
a) Faith Under Pressure (Genesis 22:10-12)
Abraham lifted the knife in obedience, and at the critical moment, God intervened, proving that the test had a divine boundary.
b) Standing Still in Crisis (Exodus 14:13-14)
Israel stood before the Red Sea with no visible escape, yet God commanded them to stand still and see His salvation.
c) Trusting Beyond Understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When circumstances defy logic, trusting God wholeheartedly becomes the anchor of survival.
d) Refusing Fear at the Edge (Isaiah 41:10)
God’s promise to uphold His people sustains them even when pressure intensifies.
Biblical Example:
Abraham on Mount Moriah reached the point of sacrifice before the ram appeared (Genesis 22:13-14), demonstrating that God intervenes precisely at the appointed moment.
2. GOD’S TIMING MAGNIFIES HIS GLORY
Last-minute intervention ensures that the glory belongs entirely to God.
a) When Hope Appears Lost (John 11:39)
Lazarus had been in the tomb four days, and all natural hope was gone before Jesus acted.
b) Power Beyond Human Ability (John 11:43-44)
When Jesus called Lazarus forth, the miracle left no doubt that divine authority had prevailed.
c) God as Present Help (Psalm 46:1)
God is a very present help in trouble, appearing exactly when needed most.
d) Deliverance That Silences Doubt (Daniel 3:24-25)
The fourth man appeared in the fiery furnace at the height of danger, turning a death sentence into divine revelation.
Biblical Example:
Lazarus’ resurrection after four days (John 11:43-44) proved that even when a situation seems irreversible, God’s timing produces greater glory.
3. GOD’S DELIVERANCE IS PRECISE AND PURPOSEFUL
Divine rescue is never accidental but intentional and strategic.
a) A Prepared Provision (Genesis 22:13)
The ram was already in place before Abraham saw it, revealing that God prepares solutions in advance.
b) Deliverance With Purpose (Romans 8:28)
All things work together for good to those who love God, meaning even delays serve a divine objective.
c) Strength in the Waiting (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength, ensuring they are sustained until deliverance arrives.
d) Victory at the Critical Hour (Exodus 14:21–22)
The sea parted at the precise moment Israel could no longer advance, turning crisis into triumph.
Biblical Example:
Peter was scheduled for execution, but in the night before his trial, an angel delivered him from prison (Acts 12:6-11), proving that God’s intervention can occur at the final hour.
4. LAST-MINUTE DELIVERANCE BUILDS UNWAVERING FAITH
Experiencing God at the edge strengthens long-term trust.
a) Confidence Through Experience (Psalm 34:19)
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers from them all.
b) Testimony That Endures (Revelation 12:11)
Believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.
c) Strengthened Trust for Future Battles (1 Samuel 17:37)
David recalled past deliverances to face new challenges with boldness.
d) Assurance of Divine Nearness (Hebrews 13:5)
God promises never to leave nor forsake His people.
Biblical Example:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the furnace, but God delivered them without harm (Daniel 3:24-27), creating a testimony that strengthened faith across a nation.
CONCLUSION
The God who delivers at the last minute does not operate by human schedules. His timing may test patience, but it never fails in precision. When circumstances appear irreversible, heaven is often moments away from intervention.
Do not lose heart when the clock seems to be running out. Stand firm in faith, trust His promises, and refuse despair. At the appointed time, God will arise, and your deliverance will testify that He is never late and never powerless.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, strengthen my faith when circumstances seem overwhelming in Jesus name.
2. Lord, intervene in every situation that appears beyond solution in Jesus name.
3. Father, help me to trust Your timing completely in Jesus name.
4. Lord, arise and deliver me at my critical hour in Jesus name.
5. Father, remove fear and replace it with confident expectation in Jesus name.
6. Lord, reveal Your prepared provision in every crisis in Jesus name.
7. Father, turn every delay into a testimony of Your glory in Jesus name.
8. Lord, sustain me while I wait for Your intervention in Jesus name.
9. Father, let my deliverance silence every doubt and opposition in Jesus name.
10. Lord, make my life a testimony of Your last-minute power in Jesus name.
