Unusual Encounters With God Series

UNUSUAL ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 32:24-30

Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:1-5, Acts 9:1-6, 1 Kings 19:9-13, Revelation 1:9-18, Luke 24:13-32

INTRODUCTION:

Unusual encounters with God are divine appointments that change a person's life forever. They often occur at defining moments—times of crisis, confusion, or hunger for something more. These encounters are not ordinary; they transcend natural explanation and mark the beginning of a new season.

All through Scripture, we see how God revealed Himself to individuals in ways that were unexpected, personal, and powerful. These divine visitations carried instructions, imparted strength, brought direction, and unlocked destinies. An unusual encounter is God’s way of announcing, “Your time has come.”

These moments are not always loud or dramatic—they can be quiet, simple, yet deeply profound. But one thing is sure: no one has an encounter with God and remains the same. As we explore this topic, may God give each of us a hunger for divine visitation and the capacity to respond rightly when He comes.

1. GOD ENCOUNTERS US IN OUR BROKENNESS

God often meets us at the place of deep need, struggle, or transition.

a) Encounters Come at Night Seasons (Genesis 32:24)

Jacob was alone and troubled when the divine encounter took place.

b) Brokenness Attracts Divine Visitation (Psalm 34:18)

God is near to the brokenhearted and responds to sincere cries.

c) God Uses Isolation to Prepare for Revelation (Hosea 2:14)

Solitude often creates the atmosphere for supernatural encounters.

d) Pain Can Become a Gateway to Power (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Biblical Example: Hannah met God in her distress and barrenness at Shiloh, and her cry brought Samuel into the world (1 Samuel 1:9–20).

2. UNUSUAL ENCOUNTERS COME WITH A DIVINE SHIFT

God does not visit without leaving a mark. His presence transforms lives and destinies.

a) Encounters Bring New Identity (Genesis 32:28)

Jacob became Israel after his divine wrestling match.

b) God Revises Human History with One Encounter (Acts 9:3-6)

Saul became Paul, a mighty apostle, after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus.

c) A Divine Encounter Breaks Limitations (Isaiah 6:6-7)

Isaiah’s guilt was taken away, and his ministry was commissioned.

d) Encounters Birth a New Mandate (Exodus 3:10)

God turned Moses from a fugitive into a deliverer at the burning bush.

Biblical Example: The woman at the well encountered Jesus and became an evangelist to her city (John 4:28-30).

3. DIVINE ENCOUNTERS DEMAND A RESPONSE

Every divine visitation requires a corresponding action from us.

a) God Expects Obedience After Revelation (Genesis 35:1-3)

After encountering God, Jacob built an altar and made vows.

b) Encounters Are Invitations to Greater Intimacy (Revelation 3:20)

God knocks, but we must open and let Him in.

c) Some Encounters Require Letting Go (Philippians 3:7-8)

To walk in God’s new thing, we must release the old.

d) Responding with Faith Unlocks the Next Level (Luke 5:4-6)

Peter obeyed Jesus after an encounter and received a great catch.

Biblical Example: Mary responded to Gabriel’s visitation with total surrender: “Be it unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

4. UNUSUAL ENCOUNTERS CARRY LIFELONG IMPACT

God never meets a man just for the moment—He invests in eternity.

a) Encounters Leave Spiritual Marks (Genesis 32:31)

Jacob limped as a reminder of his meeting with God.

b) Your Story Becomes a Testimony of God's Power (Luke 8:39)

The delivered demoniac was told to share what God had done for him.

c) God Uses Encountered Lives to Transform Others (John 1:45-46)

Philip met Jesus and brought Nathanael.

d) Encounters Create Unshakeable Conviction (2 Timothy 1:12)

Paul said, “I know whom I have believed.”

Biblical Example: Isaiah’s vision of the Lord led to a lifelong prophetic ministry (Isaiah 6:1-8).

CONCLUSION:

Unusual encounters are divine moments that change everything. They bring identity, direction, transformation, and intimacy with God. But to experience these moments, we must be spiritually alert, hungry, and responsive. They may not come as we expect, but when they come, we must never take them lightly.

God is still in the business of visiting His people. Are you ready for an encounter that will shift your life? May your heart be open, and your spirit be sensitive. Don’t resist what heaven wants to release—embrace it, and walk into a new dimension of glory.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, visit me with an unusual encounter that will change my life.

2. Father, take me to a deeper place of intimacy with You.

3. O God, use my brokenness as a platform for revelation.

4. Let every divine encounter I experience lead to my transformation.

5. I receive grace to respond in obedience to Your visitation.