Before we can have a true encounter with God, we must supernaturally and strategically position ourselves to meet Him. Intimacy with God requires intentionality—we must draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. James 4:8 reminds us of this promise:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
God rewards those who seek Him, and the greatest reward of seeking Him is God Himself.
Supernaturally Drawn by God
While we make the choice to seek God, it is actually He who makes the first move. He stirs our hearts and quickens our spirits, drawing us into His presence. Psalm 80:18 says:
“So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.”
A powerful example of this is found in John 4, where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well. She did not realize that she had been divinely positioned for an encounter that would change her life forever. The timing was perfect—no interruptions, just her and Jesus.
The turning point of this encounter was when Jesus revealed His identity to her:
“The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will tell us everything we need to know.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you, am He [the Messiah].’” — John 4:25-26
This revelation transformed her. She left her water jar, ran into the village, and testified about Jesus.
If she had not lingered in His presence, this life-changing introduction would never have taken place. The more time we spend in God’s presence, the more we know Him, and the more we can share Him with others.
“Now many Samaritans from that city believed in Him and trusted Him as Savior because of what the woman said when she testified, ‘He told me all the things that I have done.’” — John 4:39
The Power of Personal Encounters
1. We Cannot Run Far on Someone Else’s Revelation
The Samaritans initially believed because of the woman’s testimony, but they desired more. They pleaded with Jesus to stay with them, craving a personal encounter with Him.
“So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they asked Him to remain with them, and He stayed there two days. Many more believed in Him with a deep, abiding trust because of His word—His personal message to them.” — John 4:40-41
A secondhand revelation of Jesus is not enough to sustain our faith. We must personally experience Him.
2. Jesus Reveals Himself to Those Who Linger
After spending time with Jesus, the Samaritans’ faith shifted from relying on the woman’s testimony to a personal conviction.
“And they told the woman, ‘We no longer believe just because of what you said; for now we have heard Him for ourselves and know with confident assurance that this One is truly the Savior of all the world.’” — John 4:42
When we linger in God’s presence, our knowledge of Him deepens, and our faith becomes unshakable.
3. Hunger for Jesus Will Keep Us in His Presence
A spiritually healthy believer is always hungry for more of God. Just as a lack of appetite is a sign of physical sickness, a lack of spiritual hunger signals a weakening relationship with God. The more we seek Him, the more we desire Him.
4. The Price for God’s Presence is Our Time
Many believers struggle to linger in God’s presence because of the fast-paced nature of life. However, true intimacy with God requires time. We cannot rush in and out of His presence and expect deep encounters.
Fellowship with God must be a daily experience, not a hurried routine. Seeking God is not for the lazy or the casual believer—it is for those who genuinely long for more of Him.
Conclusion
There is no shortcut to intimacy with God. He desires to be sought, and those who seek Him passionately will find Him.
Are you a casual inquirer or a passionate seeker of the Lord? Today is the perfect day to shift from simply knowing about God to truly knowing Him. Linger in His presence, and He will reveal Himself to you in ways that will transform your life forever.