Encounter with Destiny through Faith! By David O. Oyedepo

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified (Romans 8:29-30).

From the above scripture, we understand that every child of God is a child of destiny. We also discover in scriptures that every encounter with God and His Word is an encounter with destiny. For instance, Noah met with God and he encountered destiny. Abraham also had a new beginning at the age of seventy-five through an encounter with God. Furthermore, Moses had an encounter with God and it was the beginning of a new chapter at the age of eighty. Jacob had an encounter with God and he was turned to a nation. Samuel had an encounter with God, by His Word, and his destiny was supernaturally advanced. No doubt, every encounter with God advances people’s destinies (Exodus 3:7-10; Genesis 32:24-28; 1 Samuel 3:21, 12:6).

We understand from scriptures that every child of God has a glorious destiny in Christ. However, let’s recognise that there are two classes of humans on the earth; men and women of time and chance, and men and women of destiny. The Bible says: I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all (Ecclesiastes 9:11).

Thus, men and women of time and chance are the unsaved. Until a person is saved, his life is left to time and chance. That is, the devil determines what to do with such life per time. On the other hand, when we are saved, we become children of destiny. Our lives are no longer designed for uncertainties, because we have a well-defined destination in God’s agenda. As it is written: According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3).

This is why salvation, which is a call to glory and virtue not shame and reproach, is the number one step into a glorious destiny.

We also have an enviable destiny in redemption, not a pitiable one. The Bible says: Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise (Galatians 4:28).

Concerning Isaac, the Bible records: And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possessions of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him (Genesis 26:13-14).

Thus, just like Isaac, we are ordained to be envied and not to be pitied.

Furthermore, we understand that every child of God is ordained to be greater than all the Old Testament saints. Jesus said concerning John: Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he (Matthew 11:11).

That means, every child of God carries greater potentials in Christ than all the giants in the Old Testament such as Abraham, Moses, Nehemiah, Daniel, Joseph, Solomon, etc. In fact, Jesus said: The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here (Matthew 12:42).

Jesus further said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (John 14:12; see also Matthew 12:42; John 20:21).

That is a pointer to the amazing potentials that redemption has deposited into our lives. All we need is insight to know our worth in redemption and take responsibility to see these potentials translate to realities in our lives. This is because the outcome of our lives is a function of our insight, and God is only committed to give to us as far as our eyes can see (Genesis 13:15; Deuteronomy 28:1; 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Moreover, every child of God is ordained to be a pace-setter and a trail blazer. It is written: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men (Matthew 5:13; see also Revelation 22:16; John 17:18).

That connotes that we are not concerns but assets to our world.

We are also ordained kings and priests to reign on the earth. …And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:9-10).

That means, we belong to a royal family and therefore, empowered to be in charge under all circumstances.


What are the four major ways to have an encounter with destiny?

• Through a raw encounter with God (Genesis 12:1-4; Exodus 3:7-10; Acts 22:7-10, 17-20).
• Through a heavenly vision: This involves God appearing to us and unveiling His plans and purposes for our lives, as in the case of Jacob and Paul the Apostle (Genesis 32:24-28; 1 Kings 3:3-13; Acts 26:19).
• Through the voice of God behind His Word: Behind every scripture is the voice of God, which is also called Rhema. When we encounter our Word from scriptures, the voice of God behind that Word gives direction to our lives.
• Through the revelation of the Word (Isaiah 9:8, 60:1-22; 2 Corinthians 12:7; Philippians 4:13).