How can we find strength in God's presence like Daniel in 10:18? Daniel’s moment: overwhelmed yet strengthened • Daniel had just seen a staggering vision; the glory left him trembling, face-down, and wordless (Daniel 10:7–9). • “Again the one with the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me.” (Daniel 10:18) • The messenger’s touch, voice, and reassurance moved Daniel from weakness to fresh resolve. What we learn about strength in God’s presence • Strength is imparted, not self-generated. The verb “strengthened” is passive—Daniel simply receives. • God initiates with a “touch.” Similar divine touches revived Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-8) and Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:31). • Strength and peace arrive together: “Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!” (Daniel 10:19). • Fear is dispelled by identity: “You who are highly precious.” Knowing we are loved fuels courage (1 John 4:18). • The experience ties power to presence: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14) Practical steps to experience the same strength 1. Acknowledge need – Admit weariness like Daniel did; God “gives power to the faint.” (Isaiah 40:29) 2. Seek a focused encounter – Daniel fasted and prayed for three weeks (10:2-3). Set aside intentional, undistracted time with the Lord. 3. Open Scripture expectantly – God’s Word is alive and energizing (Hebrews 4:12). Read, listen, and allow it to “strengthen your hearts.” (James 5:8) 4. Receive the Spirit’s touch – Ask and believe. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:8) 5. Listen for reassurance – Let the Spirit remind you of your adopted status (Romans 8:15-16) and speak peace into anxious thoughts. 6. Respond in obedience – Daniel rose and listened (10:11). Acting on God’s word deepens the flow of strength (John 2:5). 7. Stay in community – God often strengthens through fellow believers (1 Thessalonians 3:2). Share burdens, invite prayer, worship together. Promises that reinforce our confidence • Psalm 29:11 — “The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” • Isaiah 40:31 — “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles.” • 2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” • Hebrews 4:16 — “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” • Psalm 16:11 — “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Takeaway: living daily in empowering presence Strength like Daniel’s is not the reward of spiritual giants; it is the birthright of every believer who draws near, listens, and receives. God still touches, still speaks, still strengthens. Come often, come honestly, and rise in His peace-filled power to face whatever vision or battle stands before you today. |
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