“…but the people who know their God
shall prove themselves strong
and shall stand firm and
do exploits [for God].”
Daniel 11:32
(The Amplified Bible)
shall prove themselves strong
and shall stand firm and
do exploits [for God].”
Daniel 11:32
(The Amplified Bible)
The old testament prophet, Daniel gives insight of how a godly person should live in an ungodly world. One of his most endearing qualities was that he held to his convictions. Daniel remained loyal even in the face of adversity and death.
Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s meat (Read Daniel 1-21) and he continued to pray three times a day, even after king Darius issued an edict that anyone who prayed to any god or man other than himself would be thrown into the lions' den. (Read Daniel Chapter 6). Daniel did not pray shut behind closed doors, but prayed with the windows open (v.10) for any and all to see. He did not just begin to pray when the edict was given, but Daniel prayed as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Daniel did not continue to pray just to anger and defy the king; he knew the scriptures. When Solomon dedicated the temple he prayed that if the people sinned against God and were taken into exile, if they would pray towards the land God had given them and repent that he would hear their prayers (Read 2 Chronicles 6:36-39).
How was Daniel able to boldly stand against the edicts of two ungodly kings (Nebuchadnezzar and Darius) under the threat of death and without hesitation? He knew His God! Daily, he maintained private worship through prayer, study of the scriptures and fasting ( Daniel 9:1-3). Daniel’s knowledge of what God said during private times of worship gave him strength
and courage not to succumb under the pressure of being in an idolatrous nation under an ungodly king.
His strength was in direct proportion to his knowledge of God! From his strength, he was able to do great exploits, or notable, heroic acts. Here, the great acts were not opening blinded eyes, raising the dead or opening deaf ears. The great exploits were being steadfast in all temptations, holding fast to his faith, and having a good conscience. As a result, Nebuchadnezzar, an idolatrous king’s declared that Daniel’s God was the greatest of gods (Daniel 2:46-49). Belshazzar promoted him to third highest ruler in Babylon (Daniel 5:29) and Darius declared that “the God of Daniel is the living God” (Daniel 6:25-27). I believe the exploits that we will do in the last days are to ‘shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15) and ‘to live unspotted from the world’ (James 1:27).
We are most certainly living in last and perilous times in an idolatrous nation. It is imperative that believers know their God through prayer, bible study and fasting – private worship. It is from this DAILY intimate union with God, strength is supplied to withstand every situation and circumstance and accomplish great things for the advancement of God’s kingdom – turning the hearts of others to the ONE TRUE and LIVING GOD. Know God, be strong and do great things for Him!
Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s meat (Read Daniel 1-21) and he continued to pray three times a day, even after king Darius issued an edict that anyone who prayed to any god or man other than himself would be thrown into the lions' den. (Read Daniel Chapter 6). Daniel did not pray shut behind closed doors, but prayed with the windows open (v.10) for any and all to see. He did not just begin to pray when the edict was given, but Daniel prayed as he had always done, giving thanks to his God. Daniel did not continue to pray just to anger and defy the king; he knew the scriptures. When Solomon dedicated the temple he prayed that if the people sinned against God and were taken into exile, if they would pray towards the land God had given them and repent that he would hear their prayers (Read 2 Chronicles 6:36-39).
How was Daniel able to boldly stand against the edicts of two ungodly kings (Nebuchadnezzar and Darius) under the threat of death and without hesitation? He knew His God! Daily, he maintained private worship through prayer, study of the scriptures and fasting ( Daniel 9:1-3). Daniel’s knowledge of what God said during private times of worship gave him strength
and courage not to succumb under the pressure of being in an idolatrous nation under an ungodly king.
His strength was in direct proportion to his knowledge of God! From his strength, he was able to do great exploits, or notable, heroic acts. Here, the great acts were not opening blinded eyes, raising the dead or opening deaf ears. The great exploits were being steadfast in all temptations, holding fast to his faith, and having a good conscience. As a result, Nebuchadnezzar, an idolatrous king’s declared that Daniel’s God was the greatest of gods (Daniel 2:46-49). Belshazzar promoted him to third highest ruler in Babylon (Daniel 5:29) and Darius declared that “the God of Daniel is the living God” (Daniel 6:25-27). I believe the exploits that we will do in the last days are to ‘shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15) and ‘to live unspotted from the world’ (James 1:27).
We are most certainly living in last and perilous times in an idolatrous nation. It is imperative that believers know their God through prayer, bible study and fasting – private worship. It is from this DAILY intimate union with God, strength is supplied to withstand every situation and circumstance and accomplish great things for the advancement of God’s kingdom – turning the hearts of others to the ONE TRUE and LIVING GOD. Know God, be strong and do great things for Him!
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2 comments:
Daniel was a man who stood on principle. He did not compromise his beliefs in a foreign land. God called him to pray and he was faithful to the call. So we must be faithful because it is imperative that we pray in this hour. Thank you Sis. Renee for reminding us of our responsibility to pray.
In agreeance with the comment above, we too as Daniel being a people of God must become uncompromising and not conformed to this world system, but contend our faith in God and God alone, knowing who He is and who we are in Him. Then I believe the strength and courage we need under whatever the pressure or opposition as with Daniel, will come out of true worship and prayer.
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