PREPARING FOR A LIFE-CHANGING ENCOUNTER (1)

Main Text: “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” – Genesis 32:24

Beloveds, in few days, the 2026 Feast of Tabernacles will begin. For seven days, we shall gather under the theme: MAKING A DIFFERENCE. This Feast is a divine appointment to renew lives, awaken purpose, and equip believers to influence their families, churches, communities, and generation. However, attendance alone does not guarantee transformation. A fruitful encounter requires a prepared heart.

Friends, a critical reading of our main text shows that Jacob entered that night as a fearful and troubled man but emerged as Israel, carrying a new identity and destiny. His encounter did not merely change his circumstances; it changed him. In fact, throughout Scripture, those who made lasting differences first encountered God. For example, Moses met God at the burning bush and became a deliverer. Isaiah saw the Lord and responded, “Here am I; send me.” Gideon moved from fear to leadership after encountering the Angel of the Lord. Peter encountered Christ and became a fisher of men. Paul met Jesus on the Damascus road and became an apostle to the nations.

In other words, before God changes the world through a person, He first works within that person. A clear example is when Esau was approaching with four hundred men, and Jacob was overwhelmed by fear. His wealth could not give him peace. His plans could not guarantee safety. His achievements could not remove the consequences of his past. It was at that point that Jacob finally realised that he needed more than another strategy, he needed God. As a matter of fact, there are seasons when intelligence, influence, and personal strength are insufficient. Only divine intervention can bring lasting change. So Jacob remained alone with God. So, the big question is not what you want but how do you prepare for an encounter like Jacob?

1. Recognise Your Need for God: Transformation begins when we honestly acknowledge our need for divine help. God cannot fill a heart that believes it is self-sufficient.
2. Remove Distractions: Jacob separated himself from his family, servants, and possessions. As the Feast approaches, create time for prayer, reflection, and the Word. Some divine instructions are heard only when the noise is reduced.
3. Refuse a Casual Experience: Jacob wrestled until daybreak and declared: “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” – Genesis 32:26. So, I urge you to come determined to receive more than temporary excitement. Seek an encounter that will transform your character, direction, spiritual life, and purpose.
4. Allow God to Change You: Jacob wanted his situation changed, but God first addressed his identity. A true encounter does more than bring blessings. It exposes weaknesses, corrects character, breaks pride, and aligns a person with divine purpose.

Friends, permit me to tell you that “Making a Difference” is not merely a conference slogan. It is a call to transformation and responsibility. In truth, God is calling you from fear to faith, weakness to strength,
spectatorship to service and from receiving blessings to becoming blessings. Therefore, as you prepare, ask yourself, what must change in me? What assignment have I neglected? Who should encounter Christ through my life? What difference will this Feast produce in me? Most importantly, do not come merely to occupy a seat. Come expectant, prayerful, and ready to surrender. Invite someone who needs salvation, healing, restoration, or direction. Your invitation may open the door to another person’s transformation.

Child of God, don’t forget, Jacob entered the night in fear but emerged with a new name. Moses approached the burning bush as a fugitive but departed as a deliverer. Isaiah entered the temple conscious of his uncleanness but left commissioned. In all, a genuine encounter with God should never leave a person unchanged.

Therefore, as the 2026 Feast of Tabernacles begins, may God renew your life, reveal your assignment, and empower you to make a lasting difference. To this end, I challenge you to prepare your heart, remove distractions and come with expectation.

Prayer Points

1. Father, prepare my heart for a life-changing encounter during this Feast.
2. Remove every distraction and spiritual coldness that could hinder me from receiving from You.
3. Reveal every area of my life that requires transformation.
4. Awaken my purpose and empower me to make a difference in my generation.
5. Let every participant experience salvation, healing, restoration, and divine direction.

Daily Reflection
What are you doing to ensure that this Feast becomes an encounter rather than merely another programme?