THE INDISPENSABLE REMOTE INTERVENTION OF GOD (2) When Diligence Meets Divine Favour

 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." — Romans 8:28

In our previous study, we examined how God overturned the wicked plans of Joseph's brothers and transformed what was intended for evil into an enduring testimony of victory, influence, and leadership in a foreign land (Genesis 50:20). We also considered the remarkable story of Solomon's ascension to the throne. Humanly speaking, his emergence as king defied political calculations, family expectations, and even the ambitions of powerful kingmakers. Yet God had ordained him to reign, proving once again that divine purpose is not subject to human approval (1 Kings 1:28-40).

Today, we turn our attention to the parable of the labourers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), a story that challenges human reasoning and reveals the mysterious operation of divine favour.

This parable teaches that when diligence meets divine favour, God can accomplish in a moment what years of labour alone may never achieve. It is a message of hope for everyone who has waited, struggled, persevered, and remained faithful despite seeming delays.

The owner of the vineyard hired workers at different times throughout the day:

- Some were hired early in the morning.

- Others at the third hour (about 9:00 a.m.).

- Some at the sixth hour (about noon).

- Others at the ninth hour (about 3:00 p.m.).

- Finally, another group was hired at the eleventh hour (about 5:00 p.m.).

The workers hired at dawn agreed to work for a denarius (a silver coin), the standard wage for a day's labour. However, those hired later received a different promise: "Whatever is right, I will give you" (Matthew 20:4).

At the end of the day, the owner surprised everyone by paying all the workers the same amount. Those who had borne the burden and heat of the day felt offended. In their minds, equal reward for unequal labour seemed unjust.

Yet the vineyard owner asked a profound question:

"Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?" (Matthew 20:13).

He had not violated justice; rather, he had exercised generosity.

The lesson is clear: there are occasions when what God considers "right" exceeds what human calculations consider "fair."

WHEN GOD ADDS FAVOUR 

There are seasons when diligence alone cannot explain a person's advancement. God steps into the equation and adds favour.

"For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another." (Psalm 75:6-7)

"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22)

Many traders and business people understand this reality. Two people may sell the same goods, in the same market, at the same prices, yet one experiences unusual favour. One contract, one customer, one recommendation, one opportunity, or one divine connection can accomplish what years of human striving could not.

This is not a call to laziness. The workers at the eleventh hour were still found waiting in the marketplace. They were available when opportunity arrived. Favour met preparedness.

THE POWER OF HOPEFUL WAITING 

One remarkable aspect of the parable is that the workers hired at the eleventh hour had not gone home.

They remained hopeful.

No doubt some people may have mocked them. Others may have considered them failures or forgotten individuals. Yet they stayed available for opportunity.

Many people abandon their God-given assignments too soon. Some stop praying, stop believing, stop trading, stop serving, or stop expecting because their breakthrough appears delayed.

But Scripture repeatedly encourages patient endurance:

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time... though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come." (Habakkuk 2:3)

"Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9)

Those labourers received their reward not because they were idle, but because they remained available, hopeful, and willing.

GOD'S GRACE KNOWS NO TIMING RESTRICTIONS 

The Scriptures are filled with examples of people who encountered God's favour at different stages of life.

- Joseph was remembered in prison.

- David was called from the sheepfold.

- Ruth was lifted from poverty to royalty.

- Zacchaeus was transformed from a tax collector into a disciple (Luke 19:1-10).

- Mary Magdalene was delivered from seven demons and became a devoted follower of Christ (Luke 8:2).

- Saul of Tarsus met Christ while travelling to persecute believers and became the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-6).

- The thief on the cross received salvation in his final hours (Luke 23:39-43).

- Lazarus was raised from the dead after all hope seemed lost (John 11:39-44).

Different people. Different backgrounds. Different seasons. Yet the same grace.

God does not operate according to human timetables. He specializes in visiting people when others have written them off.

Lessons for Traders and Working People

1. Be diligent in your work.

   

   "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings." (Proverbs 22:29)

2. Do not compare your journey with others.

   

   Comparison breeds envy and discouragement. God's dealings with each person are unique.

3. Remain hopeful even during slow seasons.

   

   The eleventh-hour workers were rewarded because they remained available.

4. Trust God's timing.

   

   Delays are not necessarily denials. God's clock often moves differently from ours.

5. Recognize that favour is a gift, not an entitlement.

   

   What God gives is often beyond what human merit could earn.

6. Stay spiritually connected.

   

   Divine favour frequently locates those who continue to walk with God despite difficult circumstances.

Conclusion

The testimony of Zion captures the experience of every person who encounters God's unexpected favour:

"When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing." (Psalm 126:1-2)

Whether early in life or seemingly late, what ultimately matters is not merely how long one laboured, but whether one encountered the favour of God.

The same God who remembered Joseph in prison, David in the wilderness, Ruth in poverty, and the labourers at the eleventh hour is still at work today.

Remain diligent. Remain hopeful. Remain available.

Your eleventh-hour visitation may be closer than you think.

Prayer

May the Lord grant us the grace to labour faithfully, the patience to wait confidently, and the favour that turns years of struggle into testimonies of joy. May He remember us in His mercy and visit us at the appointed time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

(Adapted from Sunday Sermon — May 31, 2026)

A CALL TO PRAYER PARTNERSHIP

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:19–20

The Church needs watchmen. The nations need intercessors. This is not the hour for spiritual slumber.

Will you join me in prayer for revival, holiness, missions, and the advancement of God’s kingdom?

If you feel led, send:

“I WANT TO PARTNER WITH YOU IN PRAYER.”

Peter Abdul-Razaq Olayinka

A Serving Missionary — Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara

📱 WhatsApp: +234 806 654 0987

📞 Mobile: +234 802 849 5639 | +229 019 413 9130

📧 peterrazaq@yahoo.com

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💼 Revd. Peter OLAYINKA