Ephesians 5:15–16
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
There is a divine urgency echoing through time – Redeem the time. These are not just words of wisdom from the Apostle Paul; they are a call to awaken, to realign our hearts with God’s purpose, and to live each moment with eternity in mind.
Redeeming the time is not simply about managing our schedule, but it’s about fulfilling our purpose, destiny, and calling before the Lord. It’s about asking ourselves: Have I done what God created me to do?
A Moment of Awakening
Just this past Monday, my heart grew heavy as I reflected on the sudden conflict that broke out between Israel and her enemies. The world seemed shaken overnight, and I felt a deep burden – as if witnessing the beginning of prophetic times unfolding before our eyes.
While sitting in the front seat of a maxi taxi, weary from the day, I whispered to the Lord,
“Look how this has unfolded without warning. So many were caught off guard. And Lord… if You were to appear today, what would I say to You? Have I truly done all that You’ve asked me to do?”
Tears filled my eyes as I prayed quietly,
“Lord, help me to redeem the time. Forgive me for the years I’ve wasted – even in things I thought were right. Help me, Lord, to fulfill Your will in these short and closing days.”
And then, right there in that taxi, His presence filled the space. I heard a gentle whisper in my heart:
“Stay close to Me.”
At that moment, the burden became clear – not to “do church” as usual, but to live with holy purpose, to reach souls, and to make every day count for eternity.
A Call to Rediscover Purpose
Many of us, like me, have asked the Lord:
“God, what is my true purpose? What do You have me to do?”
Some of us are already serving in ministry – worship, intercession, hospitality, teaching, or evangelism. Others may feel lost, unsure where we fit or whether we’ve missed our calling altogether. And then there are those who quietly wonder if their time has passed.
But hear this truth: no time surrendered to God is ever wasted.
Even if you’ve taken detours through wrong relationships, unfulfilling jobs, disappointments, or long seasons of testing, God can still redeem your time. What the enemy meant for delay, God can use for preparation.
Your purpose might not be grand in the eyes of the world. It may not mean a pulpit, a microphone, or a mission trip. Sometimes, it’s as simple and sacred as praying for your children, encouraging a weary soul, inviting a neighbor to church, or caring for the sick. Your purpose is wherever your obedience meets God’s plan.
How to Redeem the Time
1. Draw close to the Lord.
The first and greatest calling in life is not to ministry – it’s to intimacy with Jesus. Before you can know what He wants you to do, you must know Him.
As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:10,
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings…”
And again in Philippians 3:14,
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
When we stand before the Lord, we won’t be able to list our church activities as credentials. The only question that will matter is: Did you know Me? Did you walk with Me?
That’s why Jesus said in Matthew 7:22-23,
“Many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name?’ … And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you.’”
Throughout these recent months, I’ve heard the Lord saying over and over:
“Walk with Me. Focus on Me. Keep close to Me.”
2. Ask the Lord to reveal your assignment.
Every believer has a divine assignment – something specific that only you can fulfill. Some have already stepped into it, some are still walking it out, and others are yet to begin. But it’s never too late to ask:
“Lord, what would You have me to do?”
Seek Him diligently, and He will make your purpose clear.
3. Guard your time.
Once you discover your purpose, be watchful not to drift back into old patterns or distractions. The enemy often uses busyness, comfort, and comparison to steal our time. Stay alert, stay focused, and keep your eyes on what matters most – the eternal.
A Prayer to Redeem the Time
Father,
Thank You for the gift of life and the calling You’ve placed upon it.
Forgive us for the times we have wasted or drifted away from Your will.
Remove every obstacle that hinders our purpose.
Awaken our hearts to the urgency of these final days.
Help us to walk closely with You — to know You deeply and serve You faithfully.
Redeem the years that the locusts have eaten, and align our steps with Your perfect plan.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Beloved, it is not too late. The time you have left is holy.
Make it count for eternity.
Walk wisely. Live purposefully. Redeem the time.
Author: Kimberly A.S. Williams
