When Human Need Meets God’s Power: A Transformative Encounter
Isaac Megbolugbe
February 16, 2026
Introduction
An encounter between human need and God’s power occurs when acknowledged limitations, struggles, or desperation meet divine intervention, transforming weakness into strength. This isn’t a one-time event, but a daily, faith-based reliance on God.
Key Aspects of the Encounter
– Acknowledge Dependence: Recognizing human limitations allows room for divine power to operate.
– Seek Presence Over Power: True encounters stem from seeking God’s presence, fostering a deeper relationship.
– Purpose of Need: Difficulties demonstrate God’s love and power, teaching believers to rely on Him.
– Role of Obedience: Aligning with God’s will brings responsibility for meeting needs according to His timing.
– Ongoing Transformation: Encounters bring conviction, intimacy, and strengthen purpose.
The Nature of the Encounter
– Daily Reliance: A continuous faith-based reliance on God.
– Quiet and Subtle: Encounters can be quiet, such as in prayer, not just loud and dramatic.
– Demonstrating God’s Love: Difficulties showcase God’s love and power.
The Outcome
– Transformed Weakness: Human weakness becomes strength through God’s power.
– Deeper Intimacy: Encounters foster a deeper, consistent relationship with God.
– Living Out Purpose: Strengthened ability to live out one’s purpose.
Acknowledging Our Need: The Path to True Freedom
The only path to true power and freedom comes through embracing our need and lack. May you experience that freedom and strength from God today.
The Posture of Our Hearts
We often fear appearing weak, working tirelessly to feel sufficient within ourselves. However, true strength lies in acknowledging our weakness and need for God.
Scriptural Foundation
_”My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”_ – Psalm 73:26 ESV
Embracing Our Need
Acknowledging our need for God is essential to experiencing His fullness. It’s in living low, recognizing our weakness, that we taste God’s sufficient grace.
Freedom in Weakness
– God’s strength is made perfect: In our weakness, God’s power is revealed.
– Freedom from self-sufficiency: Embracing need frees us from striving.
– Deeper reliance on God: Weakness fosters dependence on God.
May you experience the freedom and strength that comes from acknowledging your need for God today.
The Greatest Place for Our Hearts: Acknowledging Our Need for God
The greatest place for our hearts to be is in constant acknowledgment of our need for God. Our God never forces His help on us, but as soon as we acknowledge our need of Him, His love comes rushing in, satisfying every dry and weary place of our heart.
The Story of Martha and Mary
In Luke 10:38-42, we find a powerful lesson in the story of Martha and Mary. Martha was distracted with serving, while Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His teaching. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
The Good Portion
What is this “good portion”? It’s sitting at the feet of Jesus, acknowledging our need for Him, and letting Him love us, teach us, heal us, and be with us. Mary looked to Jesus as her source, not the opinion of her sister, and received the affirmation of God Himself.
The Temptation to Settle
How often do we allow the temporal, fleeting parts of this life to be enough? How often do we settle for so much less than what’s available to us? Let’s pursue that which is lasting and truly satisfying. Let’s set aside the ways of this world and spend our days living for the presence of God.
A Prayer for Guidance
1. Meditate on the importance of acknowledging your need of God. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
2. Where have you been self-sufficient? Where have you been allowing the things of the world to be enough? “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26
3. Cast aside the things of the world, the worries, stresses, and fears, and take time to sit at the feet of Jesus. Ask Jesus to make you aware of His nearness. Ask Him to fill you with His presence. Take time to rest in His goodness.
Scriptural Promises
– “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” – 1 Chronicles 16:11
– “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Seeking Presence Over Power: The Path to Deeper Relationship
In our pursuit of spiritual growth, we often seek power, miracles, and instant solutions. However, true encounters with God stem from seeking His presence, fostering a deeper relationship. Let’s explore biblical examples that illustrate the importance of prioritizing presence over power.
Biblical Examples
– Moses and the Burning Bush: Moses sought God’s presence, asking to see His glory (Exodus 33:18). God responded, revealing His goodness and presence (Exodus 33:19).
– David’s Heart for God: David sought God’s presence, saying, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
– Mary’s Devotion: Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, seeking His presence and teaching (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus commended her, saying, “Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
The Benefits of Seeking Presence
– Deeper Relationship: Seeking God’s presence fosters intimacy and understanding.
– Spiritual Growth: Presence with God transforms us, shaping our character and values.
– Witnessing God’s Glory: God’s presence reveals His majesty and goodness.
The Pitfalls of Seeking Power
– Empty Rituals: Focusing on outward actions without inner transformation (Matthew 23:25-28).
– Miracles Without Intimacy: Seeking signs and wonders without seeking God’s presence (John 4:48).
– Self-Sufficiency: Relying on our own strength and understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Seeking Presence in Our Lives
– Prioritize Prayer: Spend time in God’s presence, seeking His face.
– Worship and Adoration: Focus on God’s character and attributes.
– Obedience and Surrender: Align your life with God’s will, seeking His presence above all.
As we seek God’s presence, we’ll experience true encounters, fostering a deeper relationship and transforming our lives.
The Purpose of Need: Perfecting God’s Involvement in Our Lives
Our needs serve a purpose – to perfect God’s involvement in our lives. Difficulties demonstrate God’s love and power, teaching believers to rely on Him. This perspective shifts our focus from problems to the Problem-Solver.
God’s Involvement in Our Needs
– Demonstrating Love: God uses needs to show His love and care for us (Romans 5:8).
– Showing Power: Needs provide opportunities for God to display His power and glory (2 Corinthians 12:9).
– Teaching Reliance: Difficulties teach us to rely on God, fostering dependence and trust (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Biblical Examples
– Israel’s Wilderness Experience: God used Israel’s needs to demonstrate His provision and care (Exodus 16:4, Deuteronomy 8:3).
– Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh: God used Paul’s weakness to showcase His strength and grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
– The Widow’s Oil: God multiplied the widow’s oil, demonstrating His provision and care (1 Kings 17:10-16).
The Benefits of Relying on God
– Deeper Relationship: Needs drive us to God, fostering intimacy and trust.
– Spiritual Growth: Relying on God transforms us, shaping our character and values.
– God’s Glory Revealed: Our needs provide opportunities for God to reveal His glory.
Responding to Needs
– Acknowledge Dependence: Recognize your need for God and rely on Him.
– Seek God’s Presence: Focus on God’s presence and character in times of need.
– Trust God’s Sovereignty: Trust that God is working all things for your good (Romans 8:28).
As we understand the purpose of need, we’ll shift our focus from problems to the Problem-Solver. We’ll learn to rely on God, trusting in His love and power.
Leveraging Our Needs: Aligning with God’s Timing
Our needs can be a catalyst for aligning with the timing of God’s move. When we align with God’s will, He assumes responsibility for meeting our needs according to His timing.
The Role of Obedience
– Alignment with God’s Will: Obedience positions us to receive God’s provision and guidance.
– Responsibility for Meeting Needs: God meets our needs according to His timing, not ours (Matthew 6:33).
– Trust and Faith: Obedience demonstrates trust in God’s sovereignty and timing.
Biblical Examples
– Abraham’s Obedience: Abraham’s obedience to God’s command to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated his trust in God’s provision (Genesis 22:1-14).
– Joseph’s Faithfulness: Joseph’s faithfulness in difficult circumstances positioned him for God’s timing and purpose (Genesis 37-50).
– Jesus’ Example: Jesus’ obedience to God’s will led to His provision and glorification (John 4:34, Hebrews 5:8-9).
Leveraging Our Needs
– Seek God’s Kingdom: Prioritize God’s kingdom and will (Matthew 6:33).
– Trust God’s Timing: Trust that God knows what’s best and when (Proverbs 3:5-6).
– Align with God’s Word: Align your life with God’s Word and will (John 8:31-32).
Benefits of Alignment
– God’s Provision: God meets our needs according to His riches (Philippians 4:19).
– Spiritual Growth: Alignment with God’s will fosters spiritual growth and maturity.
– God’s Glory Revealed: Our lives reflect God’s glory when we align with His will.
As we leverage our needs, we’ll align with God’s timing and experience His provision and guidance.
The Nature of the Encounter: Embracing God’s Presence
The encounter with God is a multifaceted experience that transcends mere events or moments. It’s a continuous, faith-based reliance on God, where we cultivate a deepening relationship with Him.
Daily Reliance: A Continuous Faith-Based Reliance on God
Our encounter with God is not limited to grand, dramatic experiences. Rather, it’s a daily, moment-by-moment reliance on God’s presence, guidance, and strength. This ongoing reliance fosters intimacy, trust, and dependence on God.
Quiet and Subtle: Encounters Beyond the Dramatic
Encounters with God can be quiet and subtle, such as:
– Prayer and Meditation: Quiet moments of communion with God, listening to His voice and responding in faith.
– Scripture and Reflection: Engaging with God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
– Circumstantial Shifts: Recognizing God’s hand in everyday situations, guiding us toward His purpose.
These quiet encounters can be just as transformative as more dramatic experiences.
Demonstrating God’s Love: Difficulties Showcase God’s Love and Power
Difficulties and challenges provide opportunities for God to demonstrate His love and power in our lives. These experiences:
– Reveal God’s Character: Showcasing God’s love, mercy, and sovereignty.
– Foster Dependence: Encouraging us to rely on God, rather than our own strength.
– Display God’s Glory: Highlighting God’s power and wisdom in our weakness.
Embracing the Encounter
To deepen our encounter with God, we can:
– Cultivate Daily Reliance: Prioritize time with God, seeking His presence and guidance.
– Recognize Quiet Encounters: Acknowledge God’s subtle movements in our lives.
– Trust God’s Sovereignty: Believe that God is working all things for our good and His glory.
As we embrace the nature of the encounter, we’ll grow in our relationship with God, experiencing His love, power, and presence in every aspect of our lives.
The Outcome of Encounters with God: Transformation and Purpose
Encounters with God have a profound impact on our lives, leading to transformation, deeper intimacy, and a strengthened sense of purpose.
Transformed Weakness: Human Weakness Becomes Strength through God’s Power
When we encounter God, our weaknesses are transformed into strengths. This happens as we:
– Acknowledge Dependence: Recognizing our need for God, we rely on His power.
– Receive God’s Grace: God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
– Experience Transformation: Weakness becomes strength as we trust in God’s sovereignty.
Deeper Intimacy: Encounters Foster a Deeper, Consistent Relationship with God
Encounters with God draw us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. This intimacy is characterized by:
– Increased Trust: Trusting God’s goodness and sovereignty in all circumstances.
– Greater Love: Loving God more deeply, responding to His love for us.
– Closer Communication: Engaging in ongoing conversation with God through prayer and scripture.
Living Out Purpose: Strengthened Ability to Live Out One’s Purpose
As we encounter God, we’re empowered to live out our purpose. This includes:
– Clarity of Calling: Understanding our purpose and role in God’s plan.
– Courage to Act: Stepping out in faith, trusting God’s guidance and strength.
– Fruitfulness in Service: Bearing fruit as we serve others, reflecting God’s love and character.
Biblical Examples
– Moses: Encountered God at the burning bush, leading to a transformed life and purpose (Exodus 3-4).
– David: Experienced God’s presence and power, becoming a leader after God’s heart (1 Samuel 16-17).
– Paul: Encountered Jesus on the Damascus road, becoming a devoted apostle (Acts 9).
Embracing the Outcome
To experience the transformative outcome of encounters with God, we can:
– Seek God’s Presence: Prioritize time with God, seeking intimacy and guidance.
– Acknowledge Weakness: Recognize our need for God, relying on His strength.
– Trust God’s Purpose: Believe God is working all things for our good and His glory.
As we encounter God, we’ll experience transformation, deeper intimacy, and a strengthened sense of purpose.
Concluding Remarks: Embracing God’s Presence and Power
As we’ve explored in this article, encountering God is a transformative experience that can change our lives forever. It’s not just about seeking power or miracles; it’s about seeking God’s presence and cultivating a deeper relationship with Him.
When we acknowledge our limitations and struggles, God’s power meets us where we are, transforming our weakness into strength. This encounter isn’t a one-time event, but a daily, faith-based reliance on God.
By seeking God’s presence over power, we experience:
– Deeper Intimacy: A consistent, growing relationship with God
– Transformed Weakness: Human weakness becomes strength through God’s power
– Living Out Purpose: Strengthened ability to fulfill God’s plan for our lives
As I said earlier, “The greatest place for our hearts to be is in constant acknowledgment of our need for God.”
May we, like Moses, David, and Mary, seek God’s presence above all else. May we acknowledge our need for Him, trusting in His love and power to transform us.
Let’s prioritize seeking God’s presence, recognizing that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International is focused on empowering believers to embrace a grace-driven life of holiness and obedience, passionately pursuing a deeper relationship with God within the boundaries of His sovereignty, and reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives. He is retired professor at Johns Hopkins University, member of 2024 Marquis Organiza
tion’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
