On the serene morning of Sunday, July 21, 2024, the congregation at Foursquare Gospel Church, Dobi, Gwagwalada, Abuja, gathered for their weekly Sunday service. The air was filled with anticipation following an electrifying and Spirit-filled choir ministration. As the music faded, the guest minister, Afolabi Olajuwon, approached the pulpit to deliver a powerful message titled “The Power of Divine Visitation: From Despair to Joy.”
“Good morning, beloved. It’s a beautiful Sunday to gather in the house of the Lord,” began Afolabi Olajuwon. “Today, our theme for the month is ‘Divine Visitation unto Positive Turnaround.’ We will explore the life-changing experiences that occur when God visits His people, bringing hope and transformation.” With that, he invited the congregation to turn to Genesis 21:1-8 and Luke 7:11-16 as the scriptural foundations for his sermon.
The Promise of Divine Visitation (Genesis 21:1-8)
Olajuwon started by recounting the story of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah. Despite their advanced age, God promised them a son. “Humanly speaking, this seemed impossible, but when God visits, He brings His promises to fruition,” he noted. At the appointed time, God visited Sarah, and she conceived and gave birth to Isaac. This divine visitation turned their despair into joy. “God’s timing is perfect,” Olajuwon affirmed, “His visitation transforms impossibilities into testimonies.”
The response of Sarah was one of joy and celebration. Her laughter was a symbolic reflection of the joy that accompanies divine visitation. “When God visits,” stated Olajuwon, “He turns our mourning into dancing and our weeping into songs of joy.”
Compassionate Visitation (Luke 7:11-16)
In moving to the New Testament, Olajuwon detailed the encounter Jesus had in Nain. A widow, in the depth of sorrow over the loss of her only son, crossed paths with Jesus. “This reflects the depths of human despair and helplessness,” noted Olajuwon. Jesus, moved with compassion, intervened.
With a profound touch and a command, Jesus raised the young man from the dead. This divine visitation transformed a funeral into a celebration. “It’s a vivid illustration of the positive turnaround brought about by God’s presence,” Olajuwon emphasized. The compassion of Jesus highlights His deep care and miraculous intervention in our moments of greatest need.
Living in Expectation of Divine Visitation
Olajuwon encouraged the congregation to live in constant expectation of divine visitation.
Maintain Faith and Patience: “Just as Abraham and Sarah held onto God’s promise, we too must keep our faith and wait patiently for God’s timing,” he urged. God’s faithfulness to His word is unwavering.
Trust in Jesus’ Compassion: “Trust that Jesus sees our pain and He is moved with compassion,” he continued. “He is ever willing to step into our situation and bring about transformation.”
Celebrate and Testify God’s Goodness: “When God visits, it is not just for our benefit but also for His glory to be revealed through our testimonies,” Olajuwon asserted. He encouraged the worshippers to glorify God and declare His goodness, just as the people of Nain did.
In conclusion, Olajuwon inspired hope within the congregation: “Beloved, let us be encouraged today. God’s divine visitation is real and it brings a positive turnaround in our lives.” Whether waiting for a promise like Sarah or in a place of sorrow like the widow of Nain, God’s visitation is imminent. He will fulfill His promises and transform despair into joy.
“Embrace His presence, trust in His compassion, and rejoice in His transformative power,” Olajuwon entreated.
With bowed heads and open hearts, the congregation joined in prayer, seeking a personal encounter with God’s divine visitation. In the serene ambiance of faith and expectation, they left the service with a renewed hope, assured of the joy and transformation that follows when God visits His people. May we all experience God’s divine visitation in our lives, leading to a positive turnaround.
This article captures the essence and profound impact of the message delivered by Afolabi Olajuwon at Foursquare Gospel Church. May it inspire readers to anticipate and welcome the transformative power of divine visitation in their lives.
Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, a Researcher and resource person at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja.
