Often, we make a great deal of noise about our encounters with God, forgetting that what we have experienced is merely a glimpse of his infinite nature. In our encounters with him, there are times when he mercifully shields us from the full weight of his presence, because he knows our capacity to receive him. Since he is aware of our level of spiritual growth, he prepares us accordingly when he desires to meet us or confirm his word to us. He seeks to ensure that we can fully grasp his message. Similarly, when we seek a profound encounter with him, we must align our life with his divine frequency.
In Abraham’s encounter with God, he sought confirmation of God’s promise to him. “As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”
This encounter took place while he was watching over the sacrifice that the Lord had instructed him to offer. He sought proof of the fulfillment of God’s promise, but instead, God called him to present this sacrifice.
Our daily sacrifices which we make to God are means of connecting to him. They are ways by which we move his hands to walk us through to our destiny. Though he has great plans for us, he desires our own commitments and cooperation. We need to walk with him if we must fulfil our goals in life. We are called at this Lenten season to reach out to others and offer helping hands to those in need. God expects us to sacrifice some of our comforts so that we may be able to connect with him more deeply.
In the letter of St Paul to the Philippians, he made it clear that the path to glorying in Christ is through following the example of faith. “Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us……our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”
Our lifestyle and values help us to walk in the path of divine encounter. Livign the God’s ways, we see him manifesting himself in our daily encounters with others.
Moreover, when the Lord Jesus took Peter, James, and John up the mountain, they grew drowsy as Moses and Elijah appeared to speak with him about his departure to Jerusalem. They were permitted only a glimpse of this divine encounter, yet it left such a profound impact on them that Peter exclaimed, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us set up three tents: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Luke 9:28b-36).
Peter didn’t know the exact reason why Moses and Elijah came. He only capitalised on the experience of the transfiguration and not the significance. It takes patience and deep reflection to process our daily encounters with God. He tries always to help us understand his ways and what he wants to do with us.
Let us pray that every encounter we have with him may deepen our understanding of his merciful plans for our lives. Amen
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