Encounter Conference Vienna

God's Plans Are Different Than We Expect

A Ray of Hope After the Dark – My Experience at the Encounter Conference

Hello dear friends,

Behind me lie intense days in Vienna. I was full of expectation for the Encounter Conference—a place usually known for its powerful prayers, deep encounters, and spiritual breakthroughs. But this time, my path leading up to it unfolded very differently than I had imagined.

When Resistance Is Felt

Sometimes we experience times when the headwinds blow particularly strong. During the conference, I felt massively under pressure. I would describe it as a spiritual attack that pushed me to my physical limits as well. I wasn't feeling well health-wise at all, and my mind felt completely blocked.

I sat in the prayer times hoping for a clear word, a tangible touch, or an answer from God. But there was... seemingly nothing. At least not consciously. It is a challenge to be in a place of jubilation while feeling only emptiness or pain yourself.

God's Ways Are Different

Yet our God does not leave us standing in the void, even if His timing often does not match our schedule. The grace did not come in the large conference hall, but very quietly the day after.

God granted me a deep sigh of relief and a clarity that had been withheld from me during the event. I became aware once again: God's ways are often not immediately clear to us. He sometimes works in secret, beneath the surface, while we are still busy with the struggle.

Life is always the goal

This experience has taught me that we do not have to rely on our feelings, but on His promise. Even when we feel like we are in "Holy Saturday"—in the silence, in the apparent absence of God—the goal is always the same:

  • The Resurrection.

  • His overflowing love, which ultimately chases away every shadow.

What I take away from this time is that God is faithful, even when we cannot feel Him in the moment. He fights for us, even when we are physically and mentally exhausted.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for accompanying me on this journey—during the highs just as much as in the moments of struggle. Your prayers are the foundation I get to stand on.

All my love and God's abundant blessings,

Nici