The only reason why I stress so much on intimacy is that there has to be a change in our perspective. If our focus is primarily ministry, then we still haven’t understood the whole purpose of the Christian life which is to minister to Jesus.
The main problem isn’t when a herd of deer sees a lion. The moment they stop seeing the lion, they run! The problem isn’t when we’re on stage or preaching in public or sharing in houses but the moment we enter the secret place, the devil loses it. Because that is when we’re hidden under the shadow of the Almighty! Something that I have learned from Samson is that it is always a good option to discuss and talk about our weaknesses rather than strengths. Paul also talks on similar lines when he says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 I would rather talk about my weaknesses than strength.
The secret place should be fought for and stewarded well. That is where the battle is and we have to guard it well.
Everything flows from the secret place. Paul’s burning desire was not for his ministry but to know Jesus! (Philippians 1:21, 23, 24; 3:8, 9, 10) The Bible never tells us of Paul’s prayer time or quiet time but when you read and come to know of his desire to know and encounter Jesus, that is only found in the secret place. That is why it should be stewarded well and fought for.
You can encounter the Lord in different ways and it can be anywhere. It could be in the midst of a lot of people or even when you are alone at home!
One of the ways that we get to encounter the living God is by waiting in stillness and allowing Him to come and touch us. That is where the flesh dies and the soul is subjected to our spirit man. That is where you die, that is how you embrace the cross to follow Jesus. The dead cannot be hurt or wounded or externally disturbed in any way.
I used to think time also plays an important role here because the encounters that I had with the Lord were all when I was waiting upon the Lord very early in the morning. But as I was communing with the Lord once, I felt He was teaching me that it isn’t about the time but our posture. That posture is of waiting in anticipation and faith that He will come in any way He chooses, whether in His power or tenderness. Our ultimate desire should be to see His Glory!
God bless everyone who reads. 🙂
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