September 3: READY TO FACE THE FUTURE

For how can this servant of my lord talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me. Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. Daniel 10:17-18

Daniel’s eyes beheld immense divine glory and he could hardly survive the brilliance. Gabriel responded by veiling his radiance—having the likeness of a man—and reaching out again to touch Daniel. Being divinely strengthened, Daniel was ready to receive the message being sent to him from God. Compare this to Isaiah’s experience (Isaiah 6:5-8) and Jeremiah’s experience (Jeremiah 1:5-10). Now, for the third time Gabriel reminds Daniel that he is greatly beloved:

And [Gabriel] said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” Daniel 10:19

The peace that the Lord has for us is real, genuine peace. The peace of God is meant to settle into the inner man (Ephesians 3:16) for strength of character. It is not dependent upon circumstances. Nor does it come to those who deliberately live outside of God’s will. The enemy of souls specializes in creating an illusion of peace in the lives of commandment-breaking people; they gather together in God’s name, but that which they are building is plastered with untempered mortar (Ezekiel 13:10). The opening of spiritual eyes to this illusion redirects the heart. Ask the Lord to open your eyes! Anyone genuinely seeking the peace of Jesus (see John 14:27) will choose to accept the grace and power of the Holy Spirit to carry out His will.

Daniel was ready to receive increased light and understanding regarding the future. The words of comfort that Daniel received are words of comfort for us today “upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). The light and understanding available to God’s people concerning the future and the coming of Christ are not to make us fearful, but just the opposite! Preparing for the future in light of God’s “heads up” makes the challenges of our fallen world seem a light affliction, which is but for a moment… Yes, there are trials and triumphs ahead for every one of God’s people. We must learn to seek character over comfort and holiness over happiness. The deepest comfort and the brightest happiness await all whose love for God causes them to seek the character and holiness that is pleasing to Him.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17