Understanding Divine Visitation Series

UNDERSTANDING DIVINE VISITATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 21:1-2

Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:1-12,  Luke 19:41-44, Genesis 28:12-15, Acts 9:1-6

INTRODUCTION:

Divine visitation refers to a moment when God steps into the affairs of men in a personal and supernatural way. It is not just a feeling or an idea, but a tangible manifestation of God's presence, power, and purpose. When God visits, destinies are transformed, closed chapters are reopened, and new seasons begin.

The Bible is filled with examples of divine visitation. From Abraham and Sarah, to Jacob, Moses, and even Saul of Tarsus, one encounter with God brought lasting change. However, not all divine visitations are embraced. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they missed their time of visitation.

God still visits His people today. He desires to manifest His glory in lives, homes, churches, and nations. The key is understanding how to recognise, prepare for, and respond to His visitation. When we do, we become carriers of His glory and witnesses of His mighty acts.

1. DIVINE VISITATION IS A SOVEREIGN ACT OF GOD

Divine visitation originates from God’s will and timing, not human manipulation.

a) God chooses when and how He visits (Genesis 21:1):

The Lord visited Sarah “as He had said,” proving that divine visitation operates by divine timing.

b) God's visitation is purposeful (Exodus 3:7-8):

He came down to deliver the Israelites because He had heard their cry and seen their suffering.

c) No one can stop God’s visitation (Isaiah 14:27):

When God determines to visit a person or people, no power can hinder Him.

d) Divine visitation brings fulfilment of promises (Genesis 21:2):

Sarah’s long-awaited promise became a reality when God visited her.

Biblical Example: God visited Abraham and Sarah, resulting in the birth of Isaac in their old age (Genesis 21:1-2).

2. DIVINE VISITATION REVEALS GOD’S PRESENCE AND PURPOSE

When God visits, He reveals His will and commissions us for destiny.

a) God reveals Himself in divine encounters (Exodus 3:1-4):

Moses encountered God at the burning bush, and his life changed forever.

b) Divine visitation often comes in ordinary moments (Genesis 28:12):

Jacob was sleeping in a place he thought was ordinary, but it became a gate of heaven.

c) It opens the heavens over a person’s life (Acts 9:3):

Saul saw a great light and heard the voice of Jesus – heaven invaded his life.

d) God’s purpose becomes clearer after His visitation (Exodus 3:10-12):

Moses discovered his life’s calling through divine visitation.

Biblical Example: Saul of Tarsus experienced divine visitation on the road to Damascus and became Paul the apostle (Acts 9:1–6).

3. DIVINE VISITATION CAN BE MISSED

There is danger in being insensitive to the timing and presence of God.

a) Spiritual blindness can hinder recognition (Luke 19:41-44):

Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they did not know the time of their visitation.

b) Carnality and distractions block divine encounters (Romans 8:6):

A carnal mind is not tuned to the frequency of heaven.

c) Unbelief and disobedience quench divine manifestations (Mark 6:5-6):

In His own town, Jesus could do little because of unbelief.

d) Delay in response can lead to missed opportunity (Matthew 25:10-12):

The foolish virgins were not ready when the bridegroom arrived.

Biblical Example: Jerusalem missed their moment of peace because they didn’t recognise Jesus as the Messiah (Luke 19:41-44).

4. DIVINE VISITATION CHANGES DESTINIES

One divine encounter can turn around years of stagnation and suffering.

a) It brings direction where there was confusion (Genesis 28:13-15):

God gave Jacob clear promises and a new direction for his life.

b) It turns enemies into instruments of God’s glory (Acts 9:5-6):

Saul, a persecutor, became Paul, a preacher of the gospel.

c) Divine visitation can heal, restore, and elevate (Ruth 1:6):

The Lord visited His people and gave them bread, ending famine.

d) It moves people into divine assignments (Exodus 3:10):

God sent Moses to be the deliverer of Israel after meeting with him.

Biblical Example: Jacob’s life took a new direction after his dream at Bethel – God’s presence marked him for destiny (Genesis 28:12–15).

5. HOW TO PREPARE FOR DIVINE VISITATION

We must be spiritually alert and positioned for God to visit us.

a) Stay in a place of prayer and consecration (Luke 1:8-11):

Zechariah was serving faithfully in the temple when God visited him.

b) Maintain a heart of expectation (Habakkuk 2:1-3):

Wait for it – divine visitation may tarry, but it shall come.

c) Walk in obedience and holiness (John 14:21):

Those who obey God’s Word attract divine manifestations.

d) Honour the presence of God (Exodus 3:5):

Moses removed his shoes, recognising the sacredness of God’s presence.

Biblical Example: The disciples in the upper room waited in unity and prayer, and God visited them on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

CONCLUSION:

Divine visitation is a powerful reality that transforms lives, shifts destinies, and reveals God’s purpose. From the lives of Moses, Jacob, Sarah, Paul, and many others, we see that God’s visitation brings light, restoration, and divine direction. However, we must be prepared and spiritually sensitive so we don’t miss our moment of visitation.