Introduction: The Power of Encounters with God
Imagine if 2025 became
the year of a complete spiritual turnaround in your life. How would it feel to
experience God in ways that transform your faith, deepen your intimacy with
Him, and give you fresh purpose?
Many Christians hunger
for deeper encounters with God but often misunderstand what these experiences
entail. Some believe they are reserved for “super-Christians” or God's
favorites. This teaching aims to dispel those myths and equip you with
practical steps to trigger divine encounters in 2025.
1. What Are Encounters with God?
Encounters with God are experiences in which we sense His presence, power, or revelation in a way that transforms us. Such an experience can be:
- Dramatic: As was Paul's experience on the Damascus road (Acts 9:3-6).
- Subtle: As when Elijah
heard God in the still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12).
- Key Truth: Encounters can come in unexpected ways. Whether
spectacular or simple, they reveal God's love and purpose for us.
2. Why 2025 Can Be a Year of Encounters
While reflecting on the
upcoming year, I felt impressed to declare 2025 as a year of encounters with God.
This is not based on a vision or audible voice but on the power of declaring
God’s promises.
Scriptural Foundation: “Death and life are in
the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverbs 18:21, KJV)
We have the authority to
speak God's Word over our lives. As we declare 2025 to be a year of encounters,
we bring our faith into alignment with His promises and position ourselves to
experience Him.
3. Common Misconceptions About Encounters
Misconception 1: Encounters Must Be Spectacular
Many feel that the encounters have to involve visions, angelic appearances, or audible voices. While these are possible, God often reveals Himself through His Word or in quiet moments of prayer.
Illustration: I once sought physical signs of Jesus or angels,
thinking they would strengthen my faith. Instead, the Holy Spirit taught me
that it's better to encounter Jesus through His Word.
Scriptural Support: “So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17, KJV)
Lesson: Don’t fixate on what encounters “should” look
like. Be open to both the dramatic and the subtle.
4. The Greatest Barrier: The Religious Spirit
What Is the Religious Spirit?
The religious spirit is
a mindset that prioritizes rituals, rules, and traditions over a genuine
relationship with God.
How It Blocks Encounters:
- Blinds Us to God's Presence: Like the Pharisees who
did not see Jesus even though they knew the Scripture.
- Fosters Guilt and Condemnation: Making us feel unworthy
of encountering God.
- Creates Unrealistic Expectations: Convincing us that
something is wrong if we don't have spectacular experiences.
Illustration: A woman once rejected a powerful encounter with
the Holy Spirit because it didn’t align with her denomination’s teachings. This
is a modern example of how the religious spirit can rob us of God’s blessings.
Scriptural Warning: “And ye shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32, KJV)
Application: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where
the religious spirit may be hindering your walk with God.
5. Practical Steps to Trigger Encounters
Step 1: Prioritize the Word of God
The Bible is the primary way God reveals Himself to us. Approach Bible study as an opportunity to encounter Him, not just gain knowledge.
Scriptural Insight: “But we all, with open
face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same
image from glory to glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, KJV)
Step 2: Develop a Prayer Lifestyle
Prayer is not asking for
stuff; it's fellowshipping with God. Set aside time daily to seek His presence.
Step 3: Expect God Encounters in the Ordinary
Encounters can happen
during ordinary moments, as when Brother Lawrence saw God while looking at a
tree. Be alert to His presence in the mundane.
Step 4: Speak God's Promises Over Your Life
Declare 2025 as a year of encounters. Use Scriptures to align your words with His will.
Example Declaration: “I declare that 2025
will be a year of divine encounters. I will experience God’s presence, power,
and purpose like never before.”
6. Overcoming Challenges in Your Faith Journey
Challenge 1: Doubt and Unbelief
When doubt arises,
remind yourself that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Challenge 2: Distractions
Set boundaries around
your time with God. Turn off your devices and find a quiet space to pray and
study.
Challenge 3: Discouragement
If you feel far from
God, remember that He is near. Keep seeking Him, trusting that He rewards those
who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
7. Our Prayer for You
As you go into 2025, we
prayer for you is that you will experience God in deep ways:
- Through His Word
- In times of prayer
- In both spectacular and subtle encounters
Scriptural Blessing: “The Lord blesses thee,
and keeps thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and is gracious unto
thee.” (Numbers 6:24-25, KJV)
Conclusion: A Year of Transformation
2025 can be a year of
spiritual breakthrough if you position yourself for encounters with God.
Remember, encounters are not reserved for “super-Christians.” They are for everyone
who seeks Him with an open heart.
Let's speak it in faith together: "2025 is
my year of God encounters!
