SCRIPTURE: Daniel 8-12
“Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.” (Daniel 11:35)
In his vision Daniel learns that behind awful world events the angel armies are at work.
These are tough times, and even ‘the wise’ (God’s followers) will stumble.
Going through trials is a refining process, but we will be better after it ends!
“For a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Gabriel describes the unfolding history of the time, and says it is all according to God’s plan.
I am not a ‘detailist’, trying to explain the specific details of these visions.
For me, the basic message is ‘stay strong, stand firm, this is going according to God’s plan!’
All those who go through tough times can be assured that behind the scenes God is at work.
The angel armies are fighting for us, and we will come out on top in the end.
“As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” (Daniel 12:13)
Hang on to the end, you will receive the promised blessing!
“The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, life can be hard. At times it is easy to believe Satan’s lies that everything is hopeless. Help me not to give up, but to stand firm through life’s trials until You come back!
Before I came to know God I thought Satan wasn’t real, and never existed. It just occurred to me that, that is Satan’s goal. He doesn’t want us to believe that he is the ‘destroyer’ because he will go at all cost to destroy a life. Especially when he knows God’s people are about to stir things up, and start a revolution. That’s when he attacks most and it’s important to be on guard and remember he is a phony where God already defeated him!
Observation/Application
Visions are interpreted can only be interpreted by the Lord and His servants – angels. Only God knows the meaning of visions and dreams as we have seen in days past. How close do we/I walk with our God? Do I obey His will in my life? Even today – TGIF = Today God Is First! I need to walk prayerfully with God each day. The visions shows future happenings and Daniel was given the information of the happenings. Ouch. Yet God’s messengers stood with Daniel. God gives His people strength in all times. GodStrong.
I face the challenges of each day but knowing the future of the kings and their armies – what a weighty problem. What to do? God’s plans will happen. He is in control. And in it all, He gives His people strength – then – and today.
God’s people need to go on their way – God’s Way – and continue to live daily in that Way for God and they will endure. Refined by trials but staying true. God not only gives strength but also understanding. Walk with Him daily.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.