How to Encounter God - a Practical GuideSample

Over the past week, we have been looking at typical hindrances to the wholehearted pursuit of God, but this list is by no means exhaustive. James 4:8 says this (ESV):

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Drawing near to God is a continuous work of obedience. As we cleanse our hands and purify our hearts, we draw closer and closer to Him, and He draws closer and closer to us. It is the journey of a lifetime. There is no point at which we can say that there is no more of God to know. There is always more!

Encountering God is not about reaching some critical point of enlightenment or holiness, and then BAM He turns up. It is about abiding- staying under the hand of the Vinedresser. It is about being committed to following Him as He removes every barrier to His Presence from our lives. Jesus said that by obeying His words, we demonstrate our love for Him, the Father will love us, and Jesus will manifest Himself to us. A life of radical and consistent obedience to God experiences many encounters with God along the way. 

Jesus does not require instant perfection; He requires a journey of step-by-step obedience. As we walk with God, He may identify some areas of our ego that we need to put to death. In another season, God may highlight a fear that is controlling us. On another leg of the journey, He may focus on what we are feeding our souls. The things that God reveals to you along your journey are unique to you. What is common to all of us is this: if we pursue Him past every obstacle and hindrance, He will show up in increasing measure.

The saint’s walk is like watching the sunrise; at first, God’s Presence is just the faintest gleam of the dawn, but over time it gets brighter and brighter until the dazzling light of day.

Prayer: 

Father, I’m hungry for Your Presence. I want more of You, Jesus. Holy Spirit, rest on me in greater measure. Remove everything from my heart and soul that is a barrier to more of You in me, O God.

We hope this plan encouraged you. Explore other resources from Matik Nicholls at www.authenticjoy.org