Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Daniel 10 -- Prep Time Is Well-Spent Time


For three weeks, Daniel had fasted on a limited diet, and despite the unrelenting desert sun, he didn’t treat his skin with oils or lotions to protect it.  He desperately wanted and needed to hear from God, and he was setting aside his own needs in order to do so.

 

God answered his prayers requesting more information by giving him a vision while he was outdoors.  His companions didn’t see the vision, but the physical manifestations surrounding it caused them to run away and hide in terror.  Daniel at first lost all of his energy, then appears to have fainted.  He woke up shaking as a hand touched him and helped him to sit up.  That’s when he heard those incredible, wonderful words:  “Daniel, God loves you very much!”  That wasn’t all he heard:  “Daniel, do not be afraid.  Some time ago you decided to get understanding and to humble yourself before your God.  Since that time, God has listened to You, and I have come because of your prayers.”  Once Daniel had made the choice to get understanding and to humble himself, God intensely began listening to his requests.

 

Daniel was still speechless, so the messenger touched his lips, enabling communication.  Still finding it hard to breathe, Daniel asked for strength and it was given to him.  This all had to be very disconcerting, and God knew Daniel still needed to be reassured.  The messenger said, “Daniel, don’t be afraid.  God loves you VERY much.  Peace be with you.  Be strong now; be courageous.”  His commands are His enablements, and Daniel rallied.  He was now ready to hear, listen, and understand what God was up to.

 

Father God, show me if I need to change the way I ready myself to hear from You.  I don’t want to just get up, read a chapter, and expect that the thoughts I have will accurately reflect what You want me to understand.  Help me to better prepare to hear from You.  I want to experience the expectancy that Daniel had.  Help me to be prayed up yet still wanting more.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford

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