Acts 9:1-18
Last week, we established that divine encounter is God interrupting our plans or invading our space. God does this to make us bring correction into our lives and to make us be more Christ-like. The person encountered, is infused with mercy, grace and power over sin by His Holy Spirit.
Some benefits of divine encounters to our Christian Walk:
- Encountering God repositions us on the straight path – After an encounter with Jesus on the way to Damascus, Saul was repositioned on the right path to fulfilling his purpose – Acts 9:1-6.
- Healing to the Inner Parts of our hearts – James 4:6. After a powerful encounter with God’s presence many find that burdens are lifted from their shoulders – Luke 19:4-10.
- Changes the trajectory of our family and those closest to you – Acts 10:44–46. Our life after an encounter draws those closest to us into pursuing Jesus.
- Makes us to be great ambassadors for Christ – Romans 1:16. The Samaritan woman at the well, after an encounter with Jesus went into the village to tell them about Jesus – John 4:19-24, 28-30 | 2 Corinthians 5:20.
- Encountering God will do a work in our hearts and conscience that helps to eliminate iniquity – Isaiah 6:1-6 | Luke 7:37-48. After an encounter with the Lord, there will be a total commitment to doing God’s will.
- Strengthens and affirms the power in us to no longer struggle with sin – Romans 6:14, 20-23.
- The presence of God is that of a refining fire. If we enter it with a heart longing to be made more like Jesus, God’s presence will purify us and the urge to sin – Malachi 3:2-3.
- Ushers in a great desire to build the Kingdom of God – 2 Corinthians 8:3-5. Our hearts will be given to reaching the lost, even if we don’t physically go to those places. There is nothing like seeing the fruit of salvation and individual growth from a ministry that you give to financially – Acts 2:40-47.
- Establishes a deep hunger for His presence and Glory to Exist, in every area of our lives – 1 Samuel 30:8.
Encountering God will establish a hunger for His presence in every area of our lives. We will begin to look at things through different eyes as we seek out His glory to shine on us and all we put our hands to. Where we once leaned on skill, ability, and personality to pull us through, we become dependent on His presence and Glory to do anything and everything – realizing that apart from Him we can do nothing – 2 Samuel 2:1 | 2 Samuel 5:23.
Discussion:
- With all we have learnt today about divine encounter, can you say that you have had a divine encounter? If yes, what did you take out of the encounter?
- Moses encountered God in the “burning bush” experience in Exodus 3. Please give a testimony of a strange encounter and the outcome of your obedience.
Prayer.
