Have you ever found yourself suddenly wide awake at 3 a.m., wondering why sleep has evaded you? What if I told you that this could be a divine appointment, a sacred moment when God is calling you to a deeper connection with Him? In this eye-opening video, we will explore the powerful significance of the third watch and how God uses this time to speak to His children. The concept of watches in the Bible is not new. In fact, the ancient Hebrews divided the night into four watches. each lasting approximately three hours. The third watch, known as the watch of the spirit, falls between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. It is during this time that many believers report experiencing a heightened sense of god’s presence and a deeper spiritual awakening.
In the book of Exodus, chapter 14, verse 24, we read, And it came to pass that in the morning, watch, the lord looked unto the host of the egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians. This passage reveals that God is active during the watches of the night, and He can use these hours to intervene in our lives and the lives of others. The number three holds significant meaning in the Bible. It represents divine completeness, perfection, and unity. In the book of John chapter 2 verse 19, Jesus Himself declares, “‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'” This prophecy points to the ultimate sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, which occurred on the third day.
When God wakes you up at 3 a.m., it is highly likely an invitation to enter into a deeper fellowship with Him. It is a time when the world is quiet and distractions are minimal. God may be calling you to pray, to intercede for others, or to receive divine revelation and guidance. In the book of Acts, chapter 16, verses 25 to 26, We see Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns to God at midnight, which is part of the third watch. Suddenly an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison and their chains were loosed. This miraculous event led to the salvation of the jailer and his entire household. When we spend time with God during the third watch, we open ourselves up to His transformative power and the possibility of witnessing miracles in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Throughout the Bible, We find examples of God speaking to His people during the night watches. In Genesis 32, verses 22-32, Jacob wrestles with God during the night and receives a new name and a blessing. In the book of 1 Samuel 3, verses 1-10, young Samuel hears the voice of God calling to him in the night and responds, Speak, for thy servant heareth. God may also use the third watch, to reveal His plans and purposes for your life. In the book of Job, chapter 33, verses 14 to 33, Elihu explains that God speaks to us in dreams and visions of the night to instruct us and keep us from pride and sin. When we are awakened during this time, it is essential to be still and listen for the still small voice of God.
The third watch is also a time of spiritual warfare. In the book of Luke, chapter 22, verse 53, Jesus told the soldiers who came to arrest him, When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me. But this is your hour and the power of darkness. The enemy often attacks during the night hours, but we can use this time to stand firm in our faith and wield the weapons of our warfare, which are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Usually, if God sees that the enemy is plotting something against you, God might wake you up to pray and demolish it. In Exodus chapter 22, God said, If a thief be found breaking up and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
This also means if the devil or the enemy comes up to attack you, and through prayers you defeat the enemy, you would have gained victory. God sees what you cannot see. I know you might ask that why must God disturb your sleep? Well, the answer is simple. The world you live in is under your care, and God will only get involved when you invite him. God is in heaven and you are on earth, and so there are things he will call you to address because it’s in your jurisdiction. God waking you up is not because he wants to disturb you. He wakes you up to take charge of your destiny. In Acts chapter 12 verse 7, Peter was imprisoned by King Herod, and the church prayed earnestly for his release.
An angel wakes him up to lead him out of the prison. The Bible says, And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison. And he smote Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. Notice that the angel didn’t make him disappear. Instead, the angel woke him up and delivered him at night. As believers, we must be vigilant and alert during the third watch. In the book of Matthew chapter 26 verse 41, Jesus admonishes his disciples, Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. By staying awake and praying during this time, we strengthen our spirits and build our resistance against temptation and sin.
The third watch is a sacred time, a divine appointment set by God himself. It is an opportunity to draw closer to our Heavenly Father, to receive His guidance and revelation, and to intercede for others. When we embrace the significance of this hour and spend it in the presence of God, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. So, the next time you find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., don’t simply roll over and try to go back to sleep. Instead, take it as a divine invitation to enter into the presence of God. Pray, worship, and listen for His voice. You may be surprised at the depths of revelation and intimacy that await you during this sacred hour. As we navigate through life, let us remain attentive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, even in the midst of the night.
May we be found faithful and obedient, always ready to answer the call of God upon our lives. For it is in these quiet moments, these divine appointments, that we can experience the true power and presence of our Almighty God. In the book of Psalms, chapter 63, verse 6, David declares, When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches, let this be our heart’s cry as well to seek God and meditate upon his goodness, even in the stillness of the night. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts, thanking you for the divine appointments you set for us, even in the late hours of the night. As it says in your word, in the book of Jeremiah chapter 33 verse 3, call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.
We pray that when we find ourselves awake during the third watch, we would be sensitive to your presence and your leading. Help us to use this time to draw closer to you, to seek your face and to listen for your still small voice. As it says in the book of James chapter 4 verse 8, draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Father, we ask that you would use the third watch to speak to us, to reveal your plans and purposes for our lives, and to give us divine strategies for the battles we face. As it says in the book of Psalms chapter 32 verse 8, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.
I will guide thee with mine eye. we pray for strength and perseverance during the times of spiritual warfare that often come during the night hours. Remind us of your promise in the book of isaiah chapter 54 verse 17. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. Help us to be faithful and obedient to your call, even when it means sacrificing our comfort and sleep. May we be found watching and praying, as you have instructed us in the book of Mark chapter 13 verse 35. Watch ye therefore, for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even or at midnight. Thank you, Father, for the gift of the third watch, for the opportunity to commune with you and to be transformed by your presence.
May we cherish these sacred moments and use them to grow in our faith and our walk with you. We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
