Daniel 9:20-24
What is a Divine Encounter?
A divine encounter is a personal experience that allows a person to recognize God’s presence in their life and in others, and to enter a relationship with Him. A divine encounter can change a person’s life and can leave them with a deeper understanding of God and His capabilities. It can also help people discover their identity, and how they can become more like Jesus Christ. Divine encounter therefore means man experiencing the power of the Almighty suddenly – See Acts 2:1-4 | Acts 16:25-26.
Prerequisites to Divine Encounters:
Prayer: Prayer helps us to develop intimacy with God and we can know the mind of God about any situation that confronts us. Any relationship goes through different stages in its development. The same is true of our relationship with God; our prayer time helps to deepen our relationship with God and His word.
Presence of God: When God Draws Near.
You cannot fully achieve true intimacy with God until you learn how to come before Him in total surrender. An atmosphere of purehearted devotion, worship and adoration is essential if you wish to experience deep, loving communion with your Lord – Psalm 100:1-5.
Person (WORD): The Testimony of Jesus.
Jesus Himself will speak to you! He will reveal Himself to you! The Bible is a masterpiece written by a Master Creator for the specific purpose of speaking to you so you can know Him personally both now and to the very end of your earthly race. No matter where you are reading in the Bible, you should expect to meet Jesus through what you read. This is what keeps you coming back for more – John 1:1-5 | John 3:31-34.
The Prophetic: The Voice of God in Our Lives.
If you draw near to God, you are going to hear Him speak to you. John 10:27 states, … “My sheep hear my voice”.
The true message of Christ Jesus empowers and elevates all believers to the equal and supreme honour of knowing Him in a true, full, and intimate relationship. He does not call you to a hierarchical organization where He only meets with elite leaders who then pass down his commands to lay people.
Instead, He calls you into a family where you become His child and He is your beloved, attentive Father. As a believer, you receive the opportunity to come and sit upon His lap and lean upon His heart and listen to His every word – Isaiah 46:3-4 | John 13:23-26.
Perseverance: Character for the long haul.
You and I must heed the warnings of Jesus and keep moving forward and not look back. You don’t want to live life looking in the rearview mirror. You need a good dose of raw obedience mingled with the fear of the Lord and an additional unpopular ingredient called old-fashioned perseverance – 1 Peter 1:6-9.
Discussion:
1. Do I need to be holy to have a divine encounter? Explain.
2. What is the place of faith and diligence in having a divine encounter?
3. How do I keep committed, looking forward and not looking back when things get tough?
4. What are the things to do when it looks as if the promise or prophecy is delayed?
Prayer.
