When God Passes By Series

WHEN GOD PASSES BY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 19:11-13

Supporting Texts: Exodus 33:18-23, Psalm 46:10, Job 38:1, Luke 24:13-32, John 5:6-8

INTRODUCTION:

There are moments in life when everything changes—not because of a loud announcement, but because God passed by. Divine encounters are often wrapped in unexpected packaging, not always in the wind, fire, or earthquake, but in the still small voice. Elijah had seen the power of God displayed in spectacular ways, yet in his moment of despair, God passed by in a gentle whisper.

Many believers seek the dramatic, but God often chooses to pass by quietly, in moments of silence, solitude, or subtle instruction. Recognising when God is passing by is critical, for it could be the moment of transformation, instruction, or restoration. Missing it may lead to stagnation.

When God passes by, He leaves behind a deposit of strength, clarity, and direction. In today’s message, we will explore how to recognise those sacred moments, respond rightly, and receive the divine impartation that comes when God draws near.

1. GOD’S PASSING BY MAY NOT BE LOUD, BUT IT IS LIFE-CHANGING

God does not always reveal Himself in dramatic ways. Sometimes, He comes quietly—but powerfully.

a) God Was Not in the Wind, Earthquake, or Fire (1 Kings 19:11-12)

Elijah expected God in dramatic displays, but God came in a whisper.

b) God Chooses Stillness to Reveal His Presence (Psalm 46:10)

Stillness often precedes divine instruction and visitation.

c) The Spirit-Led Must Be Sensitive, Not Just Spectacular (John 3:8)

The wind blows where it wills—so is the moving of the Spirit.

d) God Uses Quiet Moments to Strengthen Our Inner Man (Isaiah 30:15)

In returning and rest shall you be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength.

Biblical Example: Samuel heard the voice of God in the quiet of the night, not through a thunderous event (1 Samuel 3:1–10).

2. GOD’S PASSING BY COMES WITH A PURPOSE

Whenever God visits, He comes with specific intentions: to restore, instruct, redirect, or empower.

a) Divine Visitation Brings Clarity and Assignment (1 Kings 19:15)

After the encounter, Elijah received renewed direction and purpose.

b) God's Presence Restores What Despair Has Damaged (Psalm 23:3)

He restores our soul in the valley of discouragement.

c) Encounters Recalibrate Our Focus (Luke 24:31-32)

The disciples on the road to Emmaus had their eyes opened when Jesus passed by.

d) The Presence of God Rekindles Our Fire (John 20:22)

Jesus breathed on the disciples and they received the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Example: Moses’ request for God to pass by led to a life-transforming glimpse of His glory and renewed strength for the journey (Exodus 33:18-23).

3. WE MUST PREPARE OURSELVES FOR DIVINE ENCOUNTERS

God passes by those who are positioned and ready to respond.

a) God Told Elijah to Stand on the Mountain (1 Kings 19:11)

Obedience and positioning are prerequisites for divine visitation.

b) Spiritual Hunger Attracts God's Presence (Matthew 5:6)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.

c) Intimacy with God Comes Through Waiting and Watching (Habakkuk 2:1)

I will stand upon my watch and wait to see what He will say.

d) The Lord Visits Those Who Seek Him with Expectation (Hebrews 11:6)

He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore tree in preparation—and Jesus passed by his house that day (Luke 19:1–10).

4. DON’T MISS YOUR MOMENT WHEN GOD PASSES BY

It is possible to be in the right place, yet miss a divine moment due to distraction, offence, or spiritual dullness.

a) The Jews Missed Jesus’ Visitation Due to Familiarity (Luke 19:44)

They did not recognise the hour of their visitation.

b) Lack of Sensitivity Can Rob You of Divine Encounters (Matthew 13:15)

Eyes that don’t see and ears that don’t hear block divine visitation.

c) Offence and Discouragement Can Cloud Divine Moments (1 Kings 19:10)

Elijah was too discouraged to see clearly until God passed by.

d) God Often Comes in Unexpected Ways and People (John 1:46)

Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Don’t despise the vessel.

Biblical Example: The man at the pool of Bethesda nearly missed Jesus because he was focused on the angel instead of the Lord (John 5:6-8).

CONCLUSION:

When God passes by, He doesn’t just come for a visit—He comes to shift situations, renew callings, and realign destinies. Elijah’s encounter reminds us that God's ways are not our ways. He may come in a whisper rather than a wind, in a pause rather than a push. But when He passes by, everything changes.

Let us cultivate spiritual sensitivity, eliminate distractions, and wait upon Him in quietness and expectation. For when the Lord passes by, He leaves His mark, and our lives are never the same again.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, make me sensitive to Your gentle whispers.