Build a large boat from cypress wood and waterproof it with tar, inside and out. Then construct decks and stalls throughout its interior.

~Genesis 6:14 NLT

The encounter was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Several years ago, my wife and I had planned to visit the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, but those plans fell through. Then, my school entered a five-year training program—one of which involved teacher-training conferences and tours at the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. Although my wife couldn’t attend classes with me, she could tour with me.

Along with our daughter and son-in-law’s oldest son, the three of us made our way to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for two nights and then to the Ark for two nights. An encounter and a vacation, wrapped up like one can-wait-to-open Christmas present.

The length and height of the Ark boggles the mind. But the outside didn’t do justice to the inside. Four decks, three of which were accessible. I marveled at the cages of all sizes and shapes. The watering and feeding system rivaled any modern-day arrangement. Noah and his family’s living quarters were impressive and on a deck above the animals, as one might imagine.

And the one dove-sized window I saw in my mind’s eye from reading the biblical account turned out to be one extended window that ran almost the length of the ark. This let in natural light and fresh air, making it possible for Noah and his family to have raised-bed gardens to grow fresh food for themselves.

How four men and four women could build and equip such a structure was beyond logic and belief. But then again, Noah had an encounter himself—with God. With the encounter came instructions on how to preserve his family during the worldwide flood.

The Bible and Christian history are filled with accounts of people encountering God in various ways, situations, and circumstances. The greatest encounter is when we meet Jesus as our Savior and Lord through our repentance and his forgiveness. But the encounters don’t have to stop there–and shouldn’t. We can encounter him through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible study, fasting, and congregating with other believers.

The encounters, however, can and should run even deeper. We can encounter God in times of loneliness, unhappiness, depression, despondency, disappointment, and uncertainty. He’s even there when we travel paths we never should. Like the prodigal’s father, he waits for us to come to our senses and long once again for an encounter with him.

The Ark Encounter was unforgettable, but it can’t rival the many other encounters we can have with God.

Long for encounters with God. They will prove life-changing.

Father, may I encounter you each day. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: The Encounter: Martin Wiles: All Rights Reserved.