In the course of each day of my life, I have many encounters. Some are with people I see daily. Some are new faces that I am meeting for the first time. Some are positive. Some are difficult.
I walk away from some encounters having grown as a person, some show me people from a perspective I have never considered, and some may in the moment seem to have not had a real purpose.
Encounter – to come face to face with (Merriam-Webster)
Thinking about the God that I serve, I have truly come to believe that no encounter is by chance. There is an opportunity in every engagement to share the love I have for people and the truth of the God that also loves them. Viewing encounters from this angle has allowed me to see how God can use any interaction for His glory.
Encounter 101
Recently in my class, we completed a unit titled “Encounter With a Savior”. This unit focused on the four gospels and the development of the character of Christ as our Savior.
One major goal throughout this unit was to offer the students an opportunity to encounter God as their Savior. We talked a lot about who He is, why He came to the earth and His purpose for the miracles that He performed. We ended the unit with a poster project focusing on that same idea (see links below for resources from this unit)
I believe that having a true encounter with the Savior is important for each of us. Coming “face to face” with the Creator of the Universe requires a response. Have you had this encounter? Or have you avoided this encounter because you knew it was one that you did not want to be a part of? Have you experienced an encounter with the Savior to only choose to walk away?
Today, I encourage you to embrace the Savior. Allow His love to cover you. Accept His offer of salvation.
Teaching Beyond the Norm 