MOMENT OF ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL
By Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida

Topic: Seek the Face of God Before Seeking the Hand of God

Key Text: Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)

> “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, LORD, I will seek.’”

FOUNDATION

In a generation filled with hustle, noise, and endless needs, many Christians have unknowingly reduced their walk with God to a series of emergency calls for intervention. The modern believer is swift to approach God for breakthroughs, healing, promotion, and favor — yet slow to tarry in His presence with a heart that cries, "Lord, I just want You."

But the divine order is clear: Seek God's face before seeking His hand. His face symbolizes His person, His presence, His heart, and His desire for intimacy. His hand, however, represents His power, provision, and intervention.

When we chase the hand of God without seeking His face, we reduce our relationship to religious consumerism. But when we pursue His face first, His hand naturally responds — not because we earned it, but because we touched His heart.

UNDERSTANDING THE DIVINE PRIORITY

> Matthew 6:33 (NIV): "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Jesus taught us not to chase “things” first, but to chase the King and His Kingdom. When we seek the King (His face), the Kingdom benefits (His hand) follow.

Seeking God’s face means:

Desiring communion over convenience

Prioritizing intimacy over intervention

Loving God for who He is, not what He gives

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF SEEKING GOD'S FACE

1. Moses – The Presence Over the Promise

> Exodus 33:15: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”
Moses had seen God’s hand in Egypt, yet he wanted more. He longed for God's presence more than the Promised Land. He knew that miracles are empty without the Miracle Worker.

2. David – A Heart After God's Own Heart
David wasn't a perfect man, but he was a man after God’s heart.

> Psalm 27:4: “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD…”
David's desire wasn't for more crowns, victories, or wealth — but for beholding God's beauty.

3. Mary of Bethany – Choosing the Better Part

> Luke 10:42: “Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.”
While Martha was busy “serving” — Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, seeking His face, listening to His words. Jesus commended Mary because His presence must precede performance.

WHY WE OFTEN SEEK HIS HAND FIRST

Need culture: We’ve been conditioned to approach God like a divine ATM.

Impatience: We desire quick fixes over spiritual formation.

Lack of intimacy: We don’t spend enough time knowing the God we pray to.

Spiritual immaturity: We confuse blessings with approval.

Religious upbringing: Some only learned to pray for what they need, not for who God is.

BLESSINGS OF SEEKING HIS FACE FIRST

1. Peace Beyond Understanding

> Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You...”
His face brings stability, even when His hand hasn't moved yet.

2. Revelation Before Provision
In seeking His face, we gain understanding and direction, often more valuable than the breakthrough we wanted.

3. Spiritual Maturity
You grow in discernment, patience, and spiritual authority.

4. Uncommon Favor
God rewards those who delight in Him, not just in His gifts (Psalm 37:4).

5. Eternal Perspective
When you gaze upon the face of God, your worldly desires start to lose their grip on you. You begin to long for what matters most.

THE DANGER OF SEEKING GOD’S HAND ALONE

> Psalm 106:15: “He gave them their request but sent leanness into their soul.”

This verse is a warning: It is possible to receive from God's hand and still have a starving soul. That’s the danger of request-driven Christianity — it satisfies the outer man but leaves the inner man empty.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO SEEK GOD’S FACE DAILY

1. Worship Before Warfare
Begin prayer not with asking, but with adoring. Praise softens the heart and ushers in God's presence.

2. Linger in His Word
Don’t just read for revelation — read to behold Him. Let Scripture paint the face of Jesus to your spirit.

3. Meditate and Listen
Prayer is not a monologue; it's a dialogue. Be still. Don’t rush.

4. Fast for Intimacy, Not Just Intervention
Fast not just for results, but to disconnect from noise and reconnect to His presence.

5. Obey Instantly
Intimacy with God increases when you act swiftly on what He shows you. Disobedience hides His face (Isaiah 59:2).

LIFE APPLICATION

Before you ask God for the next open door, ask to see His next instruction.

Before you plead for healing, pause and say, “Jesus, I just want to know You more.”

When your bank account is dry, lift up a dry heart and say, “Lord, reignite my love for You.”

In the face of battle, say like David, “My heart shall not fear… for the Lord is the strength of my life.”

PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
I repent for every time I rushed to Your hand without seeking Your face.
Forgive me for loving Your gifts more than Your presence.
Draw me back to the secret place.
Teach me to linger in worship, wait in Your Word, and walk in obedience.
I want to know You, love You, and become like You.
Let my desire shift from what You can do to who You are.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

I prophesy over your life:

As you seek the face of God, His glory will rest upon you.

Where there was confusion, clarity will come.

Where there was dryness, fresh oil will flow.

Where there was delay, divine speed will follow.

As your heart burns for His presence, His hand will fight your battles,
and His voice will lead you into victory.

You will become a dwelling place, not just a visitor to His presence.
In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Your Brother

Prophet Dr Abiodun Adesida 
CAC IBUDO ONA ABAYỌ 
cacsolutioncenter@outlook.com