We Need a Fresh Season of Encounter
In our discipleship journey, there are moments of profound encounters with God that shape us as leaders and disciples of Jesus. These encounters, though not easily manufactured or controlled, have a significant impact on our lives. Today, I want to share something close to my heart, a reflection on these transformative encounters, and an invitation to embrace a fresh season of encounters for young leaders.
Frankly, there are encounters with God that I don't often speak about, for several reasons. Firstly, I want to avoid triggering unhealthy comparisons among others. Secondly, I believe these experiences with God are precious and should be treated with reverence. However, I've come to realize that these encounters have been critical in my spiritual journey, shaping me as a leader and a disciple. From moments of intimate prayer to heavenly encounters and encounters with angels, these experiences, along with obedience to God's Word, have played a pivotal role in my formation.
Additionally, it's crucial to acknowledge that encountering God in such profound ways does not necessarily determine the depth of our relationship with Him. While these encounters have equipped me for ministry, intimacy with Jesus can be cultivated through various means. However, some encounters were necessary for my growth and transformation, these resulted often in deliverance from strongholds in my life that hindered my relationship with God. Such encounters are not badges of merit or something to be prideful about, but rather expressions of God's favor and kindness towards us.
Recognizing our need for spiritual encounters should well up in us from a profound disquiet in our souls with our lack of power. It should come from a humbled place within, where we acknowledge our spiritual poverty and yearn for the fullness required to reach where God wants to take us. This discomfort should drive us to seek encounters with God and cry out for His presence and power. It begins with recognizing our inadequacy and passionately praying for encounters that will transform us and equip us to minister effectively.
Frankly, we need individuals who understand how to move in the spiritual realm. Like Daniel and John, we must know how to seek God until we step into heavenly places where the plans and purposes of God are made known to us. Prophetic songs, preaching, and prayers will arise from these encounters that communicate the beauty and knowledge of God in profound ways. We need to embrace the challenge and gather together in prayer, asking God to bestow upon us the authority through encounters that we need to walk in our callings.
Encountering God is a vital part of the transformational Christian journey that unlocks our potential as leaders and disciples of Jesus. While these encounters are unique to each individual, they play a vital role in shaping us and equipping us for our calling. Let's recognize our spiritual poverty and yearn for encounters that will fill us with the power and authority needed to impact our cities and communities. As we step into our divine authority, we can boldly declare the goodness and glory of God to a world in need. May our prayers be fervent, and may our encounters with God propel us into a season of extraordinary impact.
A Call to Prayer:
Let us come together as a spiritual family, united in prayer and faith. Let's cry out to God for encounters that impart heavenly wisdom, understanding, and power. Whether it's evangelism, prophetic ministry, worship, or intercession, we must wrestle with God and seek the authority to fulfill our destinies. Join me every Tuesday at 4 PM as we gather to intercede, standing in faith and expecting God to move mightily among us.