When It Feels Too Late | Jentezen Franklin

Summary

In this powerful message, the speaker emphasizes the significance of the 11:59 PM moment—just before a miracle at midnight—drawing on biblical stories and a true personal account to inspire hope in those facing hardships. The speaker highlights moments of divine intervention, such as the liberation of the Israelites and Samson’s victory, as well as the life-changing encounter of a Vietnamese evangelist who finds God's message at his lowest point. The core message is that even in the darkest times, one is often closer to a breakthrough than they realize, urging listeners to trust in God’s timing and promises.

Takeaways

• 😀 11:59 is a critical moment before a breakthrough, representing the darkest time just before a miracle occurs.
• 😀 The Bible's story in Exodus 11 highlights that at midnight, God's people were freed from bondage, symbolizing hope after hardship.
• 😀 The message emphasizes that even though God's actions may seem delayed, they can happen suddenly and powerfully at the right moment.
• 😀 Acts 16 tells of Paul’s intervention at midnight to save a man from suicide, underscoring how God acts at crucial moments in life.
• 😀 Judges 16 recounts how God empowered Samson at midnight, demonstrating how divine strength can appear when it's most needed.
• 😀 Ruth 3:8 describes Ruth’s faith in approaching Boaz at midnight, showing that trust in God can lead to unexpected blessings.
• 😀 The speaker encourages listeners to trust God's promises, not their feelings, especially when facing loneliness, brokenness, or adversity.
• 😀 The fall of a young boy in Acts 20:7, followed by his resurrection, illustrates that what seems like a disaster can lead to a miraculous turnaround.
• 😀 The importance of holding onto faith during times of struggle, as one is often one moment away from their breakthrough.
• 😀 The story of a Vietnamese evangelist in a rehabilitation camp during the Vietnam War highlights how God's word can find you in the darkest places and restore hope.

Q & A

What does 11:59 symbolize in the sermon?

11:59 symbolizes the darkest moment, just before a breakthrough or miracle. It represents the time when the enemy might double down on discouragement, but it's also the moment when God's intervention is near.

What key biblical story is referenced to highlight God's miracles at midnight?

Exodus 11:4 is referenced, where the Israelites, previously enslaved and in bondage, were set free at midnight by the blood of the lamb. The story illustrates how miracles can happen at the darkest times.

How does the preacher encourage the congregation to respond to adversity?

The preacher encourages the congregation to trust God's timing, hold on through difficult times, and believe that they are one moment away from a miracle, even when things seem hopeless.

What is the significance of the story about Samson in Judges 16:3?

In Judges 16:3, at midnight, the power of God comes upon Samson, enabling him to tear down the gates of Gaza. This event signifies how God's power can break through in moments of darkness, just as it is believed to be happening for the church.

How does Ruth's story in Ruth 3:8 contribute to the overall theme?

Ruth's story emphasizes trusting God's plan even in loneliness and brokenness. At midnight, she laid at Boaz's feet, and through faith, God provided for her, showcasing that God's blessings come at unexpected times.

What happened in Acts 20:7, and how does it relate to the message?

In Acts 20:7, Paul preached until midnight, and a boy fell from a window and died. However, the situation turned into a miracle when Paul prayed, and the boy was resurrected. This story illustrates how what appears to be a disaster can become a path to a miracle.

What is the significance of the Vietnamese evangelist's story?

The Vietnamese evangelist’s story illustrates how even in the darkest and most isolated situations, God can speak to a person. After being imprisoned for two and a half years, he found a page from the Bible in the latrine, which gave him hope and reminded him of God's love.

What message does the preacher want to convey about trusting in God during hardship?

The preacher encourages the listeners to trust in God's facts, not their feelings. Even in loneliness or despair, God's promises are greater than any temporary emotions or circumstances.

How does the preacher encourage believers to view difficult moments?

The preacher encourages believers to view difficult moments as opportunities for breakthrough. The darkest moments, symbolized by 11:59, are often when God is about to deliver a miracle.

What is the core message of the sermon?

The core message of the sermon is that God’s miracles often come at the most difficult and darkest times, represented by 11:59, and believers should hold on and trust God's timing, as breakthroughs are just around the corner.