Cost Of Encounter With God

Introduction: What is an encounter with god

The term “encounter” refers to a meeting, often unexpected or life-changing. In the Bible, encounter with God is a transformative moment that define the faith journeys of individuals. Although, these encounters often come with challenges that test our obedience and faith in God.

Encounters with God in the Bible are either:

• Pleasant and life-giving: These moments bring blessings, guidance, and a deeper relationship with God.
• Challenging and refining: These encounters, while difficult, strengthen faith and character.

Whether through blessings or trials, biblical encounters with God leave positive lasting impacts on those who experience them.

Understanding the Cost of Encountering with God

The word “cost” often describes what must be given, sacrificed, or endured to achieve something of value. When it comes to encountering with God, the “cost” reflects the spiritual journey required to grow closer to Him. This journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it, as it leads to transformation and blessings.

In biblical terms, the cost of an encounter with God involves faith, obedience, and sometimes sacrifice.

However, through God’s grace, believers are empowered to pay this cost and receive His eternal rewards. Here’s how the Bible defines the concept of cost:

• The price or sacrifice required to achieve a goal.
• A loss or expenditure of time, effort, or resources.
• Something given up to gain something greater.

Unlike human laws or transactions, the cost of encountering God is often paid through faith and reliance on His grace. It may involve sacrifices, but it always leads to spiritual gain.

The Cost Toward an Encounter with God: Examples In The Bible

Throughout the Bible, we see real-life examples of people who made sacrifices to experience deep and personal encounters with God. These stories demonstrate that encountering God requires faith, perseverance, and obedience. Below are some powerful examples of individuals whose encounters with God shaped their lives and faith.

1. Enoch: Walking with God

Key Scriptures: Hebrews 11:5-6
Enoch’s story is a remarkable example of a person who lived a life pleasing to God. His faith and dedication led to a transformational encounter with God, where he was taken directly to heaven without experiencing death.

• Faith and Diligence: Enoch’s life was marked by consistent faith. He believed in God’s existence and trusted in His reward for those who diligently seek Him.
  “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
• Walking in Righteousness: Enoch’s walk with God was so intimate that he was described as someone who “pleased God.” His life shows us that encountering God requires living in alignment with His will.

2. Abraham: A Journey of Faith and Obedience

Key Scriptures: Hebrews 11:8-19; Genesis 12:1-4, 13:14-17
Abraham, often called the “father of faith,” had multiple encounters with God that shaped his destiny. His life highlights the cost of obedience and unwavering trust in God’s promises.

• Radical Obedience: Abraham left his homeland and family to follow God’s call, not knowing where he was going. This act of faith is a powerful example of trusting God even in uncertainty.
  “By faith Abraham… obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8).
• Sacrificial Trust: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac demonstrates the ultimate cost of faith. This act of obedience brought him into a deeper relationship with God.
  “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac” (Hebrews 11:17).
• Separation and Loyalty: Abraham separated from worldly distractions, including his nephew Lot, to fully align himself with God’s plan (Genesis 13:14-17).

Abraham’s story teaches us that encountering God often requires leaving behind comfort and trusting in His greater plan.

3. Jacob: Wrestling with God

Key Scriptures: Genesis 28:7, 35:1-5, 29:15-30
Jacob’s life was marked by endurance, transformation, and a literal encounter with God that changed his identity and destiny.

• Obedience and Separation: Jacob obeyed his father’s instructions to separate from worldly influences and pursue God’s will (Genesis 28:7). His journey shows us that encountering God often requires physical and spiritual separation from distractions.
• Endurance Through Trials: Jacob worked tirelessly for 14 years to marry Rachel, enduring hardship and remaining faithful to God’s plan (Genesis 29:15-30).
• Transformation Through Encounter: Jacob’s most famous moment was when he wrestled with God and received a new name, Israel, signifying his transformation (Genesis 32:24-30). This encounter reminds us that God often uses struggles to refine and transform us.

Biblical Encounters with God: Common Themes

Across these stories and others in the Bible, we see recurring themes that define what it means to have a real-life encounter with God:

1. Faith and Trust: Believing in God’s promises even when they seem impossible.
2. Obedience: Following God’s instructions, no matter how difficult or unclear.
3. Separation from the World: Letting go of worldly distractions to focus on God.
4. Perseverance: Remaining steadfast in trials and delays.
5. Transformation: Allowing God to change and refine us through the encounter.

These themes remind us that while the cost of encountering God is significant, the rewards are eternal.

Real Life Encounters with God Today

Encounters with God are not limited to biblical times. Even today, people experience His presence in moments of prayer, worship, and life’s challenges. These real-life encounters with God often come when we seek Him with all our heart and remain open to His guidance.

Some ways to experience an encounter with God today include:

• Spending time in prayer and meditation.
• Reading and reflecting on Scripture.
• Worshiping with a sincere heart.
• Seeking God’s will in every decision.

Remember, God is always ready to meet us when we diligently seek Him.

Practical Lessons from Encounters with God

From the lives of Enoch, Abraham, and Jacob, we can draw several lessons on how to prepare for and experience meaningful encounters with God:

1. Faith and Perseverance: Trust in God’s promises, even when the journey is long or difficult.
2. Obedience: Follow God’s instructions wholeheartedly.
3. Separation: Remove distractions and worldly influences to focus on your relationship with God.
4. Hospitality and Humility: Be kind and generous, as Abraham demonstrated when he entertained angels (Hebrews 13:2).
5. Surrender: Allow God to work in your life, even if it requires sacrifice.

Conclusion: The Eternal Reward of Encounter with God

Encountering God is one of the most transformative experiences a person can have. It requires faith, sacrifice, and perseverance, but the rewards are eternal. As shown in the encounters with God in the Bible, above, those who seek Him with all their heart will find Him.

Whether through blessings, trials, or moments of stillness, God is always ready to meet us.

If you desire a deeper relationship with God, take inspiration from these stories and commit to seeking God diligently. The cost may be high, but the earthly and eternal rewards are priceless.