December 11, 2025

PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: Genesis 32:30 KJV: “And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”

A personal encounter with God is the greatest experience any man can ever have. It is beyond religion, beyond church activities, and beyond traditions. It is when God reveals Himself to a person in a way that transforms their life forever. Jacob’s encounter with God at Peniel changed him from a deceiver into a prince with God. Until a man meets God personally, he may know about Him, but he cannot truly know Him (Job 42:5).

Beloved, many people only know God through stories, doctrines, or what others have told them. But God desires a personal encounter with every believer. This encounter comes through genuine repentance, prayer, worship, and studying His Word. When Moses encountered God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2–6), his life and assignment was defined. When Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3–6), he was transformed into Paul, the apostle of Christ. Your destiny begins to align with God’s purpose when you have such an encounter.

Child of God, you must crave for your own encounter with God. Do not be satisfied with second-hand knowledge of Him. When you encounter God personally, you will receive direction, empowerment, holiness, and an unshakable faith. The Lord Himself promised in Jeremiah 29:13, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Seek Him earnestly, and He will surely reveal Himself to you.

REFLECTION:

Have you truly had a personal encounter with God, or are you living on borrowed knowledge of Him? A personal experience with God cannot be substituted. Today, make up your mind to seek Him with all your heart until you know Him for yourself.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me a personal encounter with You that will change my life forever (Genesis 32:30).

2. O God, open my spiritual eyes to see You and know You beyond religion (Job 42:5).

3. Father, let my encounter with You lead me into my divine purpose (Acts 9:3–6).

4. Lord, reveal Yourself to me afresh and help me walk in Your perfect will (Jeremiah 29:13).