ENCOUNTERING DIVINITY

Title: ENCOUNTERING DIVINITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 3:1-6
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 6:1-8, Genesis 28:10-17, Acts 9:1-6, Matthew 17:1-9

INTRODUCTION:
An encounter with divinity is a life-changing experience where God reveals Himself to a person in a profound way, often leading to a transformation of purpose, perspective, and direction. From the burning bush that Moses witnessed to the blinding light that struck Paul, divine encounters come in various forms but always leave a lasting impact. These moments redefine lives and often launch individuals into God’s calling and purpose for them. Today, we explore examples of such encounters, their significance, and how we can position ourselves to encounter the Divine.

1. THE BURNING BUSH: GOD REVEALS HIS PRESENCE

a) God’s Holiness Manifested
In His encounter with Moses, God revealed His holiness, instructing Moses to remove his sandals (Exodus 3:5).

b) Divine Purpose Unveiled
God revealed Moses’s purpose to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10).

c) An Invitation to Intimacy
This encounter invited Moses into a deeper relationship with God (Exodus 3:6).

d) Empowerment for Mission
Moses was empowered and given the authority to lead a nation (Exodus 3:12).

e) Biblical Example: Isaiah’s Vision of God’s Glory – In Isaiah 6, Isaiah saw God high and lifted up, leading him to respond, “Here am I; send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

2. ENCOUNTERS THAT TRANSFORM

a) Paul’s Encounter on the Road to Damascus
Paul’s encounter with Jesus radically changed his life and mission (Acts 9:3-6).

b) Jacob’s Dream of the Ladder to Heaven
Jacob received a covenant promise from God during his dream (Genesis 28:12-15).

c) Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration
They witnessed Jesus’s glory and were strengthened in their faith (Matthew 17:1-9).

d) From Fear to Faith
Divine encounters move us from fear to faith, filling us with courage and boldness (2 Timothy 1:7).

e) Biblical Example: Gideon’s Encounter with the Angel of the Lord – Gideon went from fear to faith, being called a “mighty man of valour” (Judges 6:12).

3. HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF FOR A DIVINE ENCOUNTER

a) A Heart of Humility and Surrender
God reveals Himself to those who approach Him with humility (James 4:6-8).

b) Seeking God in Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting prepare our hearts to hear from God (Matthew 6:6, Acts 13:2-3).

c) Dedicating Time to Worship
Worship creates an atmosphere where God’s presence can manifest (Psalm 22:3).

d) Waiting on the Lord with Expectation
Waiting on God opens us to experience His presence (Isaiah 40:31).

e) Biblical Example: Elijah on Mount Horeb – In silence and stillness, Elijah encountered God’s presence (1 Kings 19:11-13).

4. THE IMPACT OF DIVINE ENCOUNTERS ON LIFE AND MINISTRY

a) New Vision and Purpose
Encounters with God often come with a new direction or calling (Jeremiah 1:5-10).

b) A Fresh Anointing
Divine encounters renew and empower believers for God’s work (Acts 1:8).

c) Boldness and Authority
An encounter with God fills us with boldness to fulfil His will (Acts 4:13).

d) A Testimony of God’s Power
Those who encounter God carry testimonies of His greatness (Psalm 66:16).

e) Biblical Example: Samuel’s Calling as a Prophet – God revealed Himself to Samuel, calling him as a prophet from a young age (1 Samuel 3:10-11).

5. MAINTAINING DIVINE ENCOUNTERS

a) Continual Fellowship with God
Staying in close relationship with God keeps His presence fresh (John 15:5).

b) Obedience to God’s Instructions
Following through on God’s direction allows us to walk in His purpose (Deuteronomy 28:1).

c) Growing in Faith and Holiness
A life of faith and purity keeps us aligned with God (Hebrews 12:14).

d) Seeking Renewal through the Holy Spirit
Relying on the Holy Spirit deepens our walk with God (Romans 8:14).

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s Continuous Encounters with God – Peter encountered God multiple times, leading to boldness in ministry (Acts 2:1-4, Acts 10:9-16).

CONCLUSION:
Encountering divinity is a privilege that transforms every aspect of a person’s life. It is an invitation to a higher calling, a more profound relationship with God, and the empowerment needed to carry out His will. May we continually position ourselves to encounter God, allowing His presence to reshape our lives and impact the world around us.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, draw me into Your presence and reveal Yourself to me.

2. Father, let every encounter with You transform my life and purpose.

3. Holy Spirit, prepare my heart to experience divine encounters.

4. Lord, give me a humble heart that seeks Your face continually.

5. Father, open my spiritual eyes to see Your glory.

6. Lord, empower me with boldness for Your work after each encounter.

7. Father, grant me the strength to fulfil the purpose You reveal to me.

8. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your power and presence.

9. Holy Spirit, renew and refresh my spirit through divine encounters.

10. Father, may my encounters with You bring transformation to those around me.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that you will experience divine encounters that will transform your life.

2. May the Lord reveal His purpose and calling to you in a new way.

3. Your heart will be prepared to receive divine revelations.

4. I decree that your life will be a testimony of God’s power.

5. May the boldness of the Lord rest upon you to carry out His will.

6. Every encounter you have with God will be life-changing and empowering.

7. You will see God’s glory and be transformed in His presence.

8. I declare that your spirit is renewed by the Holy Spirit for God’s work.

9. Divine purpose and direction are revealed to you by the Lord.

10. You will walk in the authority and calling God has for you.