The Key is in the Encounter

This morning I was reading Mark 6 and when I came to verse 56, and I heard the Lord say, "the key is in the encounter." Every great miracle, moment of victory, defeat of the enemy all surrounds one main theme- an encounter with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
And everywhere he went-into towns, cities or countryside-the people brought the sick to the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch just the edge of his coat, and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:56

I began to think, all were healed JUST by touching the hem of his coat, that is a minimal encounter with Jesus- imagine all who had a face to face encounter with Him and what that did.

Mary Magdalene, the demon possessed man of Gerasene, the woman caught in adultery and so many more. Let's stop and think for a moment- there were several instances when Jesus just spoke and someone was healed or set free and He never even touched them or saw them for that matter. So if an encounter with Jesus from a distance is great, imagine the encounter with Him...face to face. I think God is trying to show us something of Himself, something that doesn't just come from reading His word, but the combination of His word and an intimate relationship with the Lord.
Esther's breakthrough came first in her encounter with God, something must have happened in her three days with the Lord for her to receive the courage to go before the king in such circumstances. She must have gained an understanding of who she was in the Lord, the favor she had with God and the strength to face her enemy (Haman). Esther's breakthrough came second in her encounter with the king. Esther had an intimate audience with the king even though Haman was present; You prepare a banquet for me in the presence of my enemies...Psalm 23:5. There are countless examples of how an encounter with the Almighty God, the lover of our souls, with Jesus Christ changes not just the person, but the circumstances, the atmosphere and even the land. The key is in the encounter...pursue your encounter today. He is waiting and will be found by those who seek Him, especially because He is pursuing us already.