I dare you to bring up a discussion about God at your next office party. I suspect that if you work in a secular marketplace, some people will immediately walk over to the cheese table to avoid the conversation. You would risk upsetting your co-workers and perhaps even your boss. People are either enamored and intrigued, or aloof and suspicious when discussion of the Divine ensues. Yet, everyone believes something about the Divine and what we believe about God affects how we treat people and the choices we make daily. Why is it that some people become encouraged and intrigued when God’s name is mentioned, while others wince or retreat in discomfort? It boils down to belief and encounter.

I first encountered the Divine as a little girl growing up on a very large farm in Jamaica. My grandparents, “Mum” and “Papa” taught me about God. They took me to church with them. I heard them pray and read the Bible aloud. They taught me to reverence and honor God. They told me that if I told lies I would go to hell (Prov 12:22 [KJV]: Lying lips are abomination to the LORD…) and they taught me to respect and obey authority (Exod 20:12: Honor your father and your mother). I am forever grateful to them for all they drilled into my sometimes-stubborn will. My mother reinforced much of what they taught me, although at the time she did not attend church regularly. I grew up with an awareness and healthy respect of God. I believed the Scriptures were true but I did not immerse myself in them until much later. What I do remember is that whenever I read the Psalms, I felt comfort and solace. I felt like God would always deliver me from the perils of evil.

However, by my freshman year of college in Connecticut, I had questions about my religious beliefs and I was hesitant to tell my family that I was not sure there was a God or that I needed to follow His principles. I was afraid they would deem me a heretic for even daring to question the existence of the Divine, let alone my desire to break away from what the church taught. I had become a skeptic and I was not sure I was a Christian or wanted to remain one. I felt Christianity was limiting because of its many prohibitions, but in hindsight, it was not the Scriptures that were limiting, as it was the many rules of the local church I attended during high school. Not to mention that over time I had seen much hypocrisy in the church and had at times fallen victim to it. I became jaded about Christians and was uncomfortable in their presence.

Thankfully, the Divine presence of God did not leave me, even when my faith sunk to its lowest. Scripture assures us that He will never ever abandon us—no, not ever (Heb 13:5)! At twenty-three, feeling strong and driving a newly purchased sports car, I felt good. Life was good. I was content because I had dreams and aspirations that I knew I would fulfill and I was pleased with my accomplishments. I remember pressing my head against my headrest and glancing up toward my open sunroof, and shouting, “God, if you are there, reveal yourself to me!” That began my second encounter with the Divine.

I am not sure how many people pursue the Divine or search for answers, but those who do are not afraid to talk about Him. God, through providential occurrences, as well as through the Scriptures, revealed Himself to me. While I cannot pinpoint any particular event that convinced me that God is real, I know that I became convinced (over time) that He is real and wanted a relationship with me.

Many Christ followers will tell you that there was a specific encounter that drew them to Him. This is the salvific encounter, and most important of all encounters, which becomes the foundation for all others. All Christians testify that God touched their heart and drew them to Him. He draws people in different ways and for many, that wooing takes place gradually. Others have defining encounters that change their life forever. Be that as it may, I am sure that Christ takes the initiative to draw people to Himself (John 6:44; 12:32). He desires for each of us to encounter Him—daily. These daily encounters are poignant in the sanctification process. They become the sandpaper and the shea butter in our Christian growth, which in the long run, cement our faith in God.

Our encounters help us recognize the alluring beauty in Jesus. The Holy Spirit residing in us speaks to us and literally leads us in every step that we take, if we are willing to follow. I often liken the Holy Spirit to a tour guide. He will take you and show you what you need to see and do. He knows the terrain. You can always decline taking the journey, but He knows the way and He always has the big picture in view—the Father’s plan for your life. He helps you to become familiar with God’s plan bit by bit. He opens your eyes to God’s ways and God’s astonishing grace. When you become aware of how wonderful and kind God is, it changes your life.

I have a type-A personality and for those familiar with the DISC personality evaluation, I am a high C and D personality. I enjoy work and I pay much attention to detail. I am not afraid to do the hard tasks and I enjoy working with people who are driven. So, I was greatly disturbed when Scripture revealed that all I had to do to be saved is simply to accept Christ’s finished work on the Cross (Rom 5:8-11; Eph 2:4-9). I wanted to earn my salvation. I did not want anything for free; I wanted to earn it. How could I take eternal life for free when Jesus gave His life for it? That part of the Gospel made me uncomfortable until I grew to accept it. The Holy Spirit began to show me just how lovely God truly is. When I spend time in God’s Word, I see that God is absolutely magnificent. When He helps me through difficult situations, I am reminded of His care and provision. You cannot come face to face with the Divine and remain the same. It changes how you view God, regardless of your relationship with your earthly father.

The Christian life is grounded in biblical truth but there is also the experiential element and you cannot divorce the two. One cannot divest herself of her experiences. Scripture solidifies our experience with God. For example, Scripture says God reigns supremely over all, but that we will all experience suffering (Ps 103:19; 1 Pet 4:19). When painful things occur that we know God could have prevented, we must still love and trust Him. When we ask the “Why” questions and there are no answers, God is still 100% in charge. We trust the Divine has a plan that we do not yet understand. He is the Word and the Word is embodied in Him. On the other hand, when His goodness fills our life, we have to thank Him and remember that Scripture says He is good. You recognize that you are unworthy, but His love for you is not based on your performance.
Christ’s love reveals your sin and leaves you humbled in His presence. The love of God breaks the iron cages around your heart and enables you to love people. Human effort cannot bring about an encounter with the Divine—they are always divinely ordained. Only God can open your eyes to Himself and when you see Him you cannot resist Him. He is irresistible. Which one of us would not gravitate toward beauty. His beauty is captivating. It breaks you and rebuilds you simultaneously. It is overwhelming and leaves you speechless, except for the praises you utter. When God encounters people they are changed forever. None can brag in His presence because only His brightness deserves recognition. Everything else pales in comparison to the radiance of our Lord. The heart melts like the sun melts snow. Beauty catches everyone’s attention and keeps it, whether it is the beauty of nature, art, or the snow-capped mountains of Colorado. God wants to capture you, every one of you.

Those people who are uncomfortable about God have not yet encountered Him or they are in the process of knowing Him. Whenever you feel conviction for the wrong you have done, God is initiating an encounter. Do not ignore the prodding of your heart. As we journey through life, we have encounters; some shape us and others change us, but all affect us. An encounter with the Divine is the most life changing and intriguing experience of my life and I would suspect, for yours also.