Supernatural Encounter 

By Pastor Royston Smith

The Bible is a unique book. On one hand, it shows God’s uniqueness and power. On the other hand, we see his love and care for a rebellious world. It paints picture of the God who will go to extremities to save and restore. He stands beside the vulnerable and the afflicted, protecting them from adversities and their arch-enemies. God is intimately involved in the affairs of our lives and our world. The Apostle John affirms this fact in Revelation 4:11: “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”  

Today, the major worldviews are facts and evidence driven. If it cannot be seen, held, touched, heard, or smelt it does not exist. Faith and the supernatural are seen through pessimistic lenses. Anything that cannot be explained is classified as illogical. To many, the human belief in a God is revolting and absurd, “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.” Is it any wonder German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche describes God this way? Contrary, Paul replied, “He’s the only one death can’t touch, his light so bright no one can get close. He’s never been seen by human eyes—human eyes can’t take him in! Honour to him, and eternal rule! Oh, yes.” (1 Timothy 6:16 MSG).  

Despite this sceptical view of God, the human spirit desires security and having a certain future.  Some find hope in God and the afterlife, whilst others find hope in the present. Irrespective of your viewpoint, we all want the same thing. We want proof that what we believe is true. We want tangible evidence of modern-day encounters with the Divine. 

As a Pastor, I have seen many proofs of the existence of God, at times I am dumbfounded. A debilitating disease healed, a dead marriage miraculous resurrected and a wayward person instantaneously transformed. These encounters lift depressing spirits, fill the soul with peace, joy, and hope, remove fears, apprehensions, and doubts. I know I’m not alone. Then life happens. A loved one dies. A secure job is lost. A special child becomes the prodigal. Again, doubts reappear, and questions are raised until another Divine encounter. In Psalm 42:5,6 David records his encounters with doubts, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me…” Our experience with God can be fleeting and short-lived.  

In the Bible, God’s presence is everywhere. 

Psalm 139:7, Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” 

In fact, God assures us that His presence gives rest. 

Exodus 33:14, “And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” 

Even nature is an awe of His presence. 

Nahum 1:5, “Mountains quake because of Him. And the hills dissolve; Indeed, the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it.”  

Truth is, I have no pictures to hang upon my wall. I have never seen a portrait of Him. However, His presence I can recall. His presence is visible in life events, in the beauty of nature and human interaction. American author and speaker Jennifer Rothschild states, “The more we stay in the presence of the Lord… the more aware we are of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (God) in our lives.”  

Father God, draw us close, so we feel your presence, always. Amen