The Urgency Of Now

THE URGENCY OF NOW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 9:4

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Romans 13:11, 2 Corinthians 6:2, James 4:14, Proverbs 27:1

INTRODUCTION:

Time is one of the most valuable resources given to man. In John 9:4, Jesus emphasised the urgency of working while it is day because the night comes when no man can work. This statement highlights the importance of acting promptly in alignment with divine timing. Procrastination in spiritual matters is a dangerous trap that hinders growth, progress, and destiny fulfilment.

God has appointed seasons and timings for everything under the sun. There is a time to pray, a time to build, a time to repent, and a time to move. Delaying obedience to divine instruction often leads to missed opportunities and regret. Many destinies have suffered setbacks because people ignored the urgency of now.

This message calls every believer to wake up from slumber and respond to divine promptings. The harvest is ready, but labourers must arise now. The world is waiting for those who will obey the Lord without delay and take bold steps in fulfilling their assignment.

1. RECOGNISE THE VALUE OF TIME

a) Time is a divine gift (Psalm 90:12):

We must use it wisely because it is limited.

b) Every season carries a purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:1):

There is a divine agenda attached to every moment.

c) Delay can hinder destiny (Hebrews 3:15):

Hardened hearts often delay necessary decisions.

d) Time once lost cannot be recovered fully (Ephesians 5:16):

We must redeem the time and not waste it.

Biblical Example: The Israelites at Kadesh-barnea – Their delay and disobedience cost them 40 years in the wilderness (Numbers 14:40–45).

2. OBEY DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS PROMPTLY

a) Delayed obedience is disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22):

God honours prompt and complete obedience.

b) Some doors open only for a season (Revelation 3:7):

When the door shuts, the opportunity may be gone.

c) Procrastination weakens spiritual momentum (Proverbs 24:30-34):

Neglect leads to spiritual decay.

d) Prompt action brings divine favour (Genesis 22:3):

Abraham rose early to obey God without hesitation.

Biblical Example: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch – He obeyed the Spirit immediately and brought salvation to a soul (Acts 8:26–39).

3. WORK WHILE IT IS DAY

a) Earthly assignment has a time frame (John 9:4):

We must be diligent with what we are called to do.

b) There is no labour in the grave (Ecclesiastes 9:10):

Death ends the opportunity for impact.

c) Kingdom advancement requires urgent commitment (Matthew 28:19):

Souls are perishing; the church must act now.

d) God rewards faithful stewards (Luke 19:17):

Only diligent servants will be honoured.

Biblical Example: Jesus – He fulfilled His work within 33 years because He understood the urgency (John 17:4).

4. DISCERN DIVINE TIMING (KAIROS)

a) Not all time is equal (Galatians 6:9):

Kairos moments must be discerned and seized.

b) God visits in seasons (Luke 19:44):

Missing your day of visitation can be tragic.

c) Spiritual sensitivity is key (1 Chronicles 12:32):

The sons of Issachar knew what Israel ought to do.

d) Prayer aligns us with divine timing (Habakkuk 2:3):

God's timing is perfect and must be awaited in faith.

Biblical Example: The Pool of Bethesda – Healing was tied to a specific moment when the water was stirred (John 5:1–9).

5. AVOID THE DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL COMPLACENCY

a) Complacency kills urgency (Amos 6:1):

Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.

b) Sleeping in critical moments leads to loss (Matthew 25:5-6):

The foolish virgins missed the bridegroom.

c) Lukewarmness displeases God (Revelation 3:16):

Half-heartedness will be vomited out.

d) We must stay awake and alert (Romans 13:11):

Now is the time to arise from slumber.

Biblical Example: Samson – He slept when he should have been alert and lost his strength and vision (Judges 16:19–21).

CONCLUSION:

There is an urgent call for the church and every believer to rise into divine action. The time to serve, pray, evangelise, give, and build is now. Every moment counts in eternity’s calendar. As believers, we must not be found sleeping when heaven is moving.

Let this message stir your heart to arise, take responsibility, and engage in what God has called you to do. The urgency of now demands our full attention, and the Spirit of God is ready to empower us. Arise and do it now!

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, open my eyes to the value of time.

2. I reject every spirit of delay and procrastination.

3. Empower me to obey Your instructions promptly.

4. Let me not miss my kairos moment, O Lord.

5. Restore the time I have wasted in spiritual slumber.

6. Father, make me sensitive to Your divine timing.

7. Set me on fire to work while it is day.

8. Let my life be a channel of urgent kingdom advancement.

9. Deliver me from the trap of spiritual complacency.

10. Help me fulfil my divine assignment within my time.