Since the beginning of this month, we have been learning more about divine encounters. Today, we will be looking at the reasons for divine encounter. Have we ever asked the question – “what is God seeking when He reveals Himself?” When God encounters us, it is because He wants to build a relationship with us and to transform us to love Jesus more and become more like Jesus.
In the leading passage read, after an encounter with the Holy Spirit, the people asked and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Brokenness has the potential to rid us of flaws in our character and sin in our flesh. The process of brokenness is God’s way of stripping us of our self-sufficiency and releasing the power of His grace upon our lives. God often allows deep and painful spiritual struggles in our lives to take us to the next spiritual level. God allows us to enter periods of desperation and struggle that can lead to brokenness – 2 Corinthians 7:10. However, God intended to demonstrate to us that neither wit nor wealth would be able to free us from this struggle.
It is important that we make a spiritual connection to God in our struggles (seeing Him) and commit to holding on to Him (trusting Him) during the process of brokenness. God uses this brokenness to change our identity and build our character. A broken and a contrite spirit God will not despise – Psalm 51:17
The Eunuch in Acts 8:26-40 had influence and by man’s standard lacked nothing but all that he had could not give him the spiritual satisfaction that he sought until God through Philip encountered him on his journey and changed his story.
In Genesis 32:24-28, Jacob had an encounter and wrestled with God. Out of Jacob’s struggle came a greater spiritual blessing as he had a deeper experience with God. Experiencing God at this level changed the trajectory of his life. Though he had to live with a limp, his life and legacy were positively impacted. As believers, we can expect purification throughout our struggles coupled with priceless blessings when we hold on to God.
This is what God seeks to achieve in our lives to bring us to the place of a relationship where we, in walking with Him come to the place of fulfilment.
Discussion:
- Being broken or having a penitent heart is an encounter with God – Isaiah 6:1-8. What are the benefits you can draw out from the life of Isaiah in this passage?
- As we have seen in the lives of the Ethiopian eunuch and in Jacob’s life, what has your encounter with God produced in your life.
- It is better to live with a limp and fulfil divine purpose, than to live without a limp and be outside of God’s Will. What do you understand by this statement?
- Mercy positions you and Grace empowers you! Explain this in the light of your brokenness and faith
Prayer
