Overview
By Janice Hall
Scripture Lesson Text: Daniel 10:10-19.
The event recorded here in Daniel chapter 10, occurred in the third year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, around 536 B.C. This chapter gives a background to the prophecies detailed in chapters 11 and 12. In chapters 10-12, the scriptures record Daniel’s last vision.
Daniel had been fasting and praying for three weeks, when an angel explains his visitation to Daniel. God responded to Daniel’s prayer, ,the very moment he made his request known.( Daniel 10:2). The angel explained the opposition Daniel would face on the way. This vision had Daniel go into a type of mourning. God allowed this kind of conflict because there was a purpose.
The delay was caused by a conflict with some other being called “ the prince of the kingdom of Persia”. The angel reassured Daniel that he is come to answer prayers and explain Daniel’s vision of the future. Daniel is strengthen in his weakness. We see that God heard the prayers of Daniel and he was strengthen in his faith
Practical Points
By Raufu Spagnoletta
1) Depend on God’s strength when you feel weak and inadequate.
Scripture is rich in promises for God’s strength: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:2-3).
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Jesus revealed a breakthrough exchange to the Apostle Paul in his time of weakness (vss 7-8): “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” In essence, we give Christ our weakness and He gives us His power. “Let us therefore come bodly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
2) Remember God’s love for you in times of uncertainty:
When we are rooted and grounded in God’s love, times of uncertainty serve to strengthen our faith. God’s essential nature and being is love. God does not just have love, God is love (1 John 4:16). Every encounter we experience with God is based on His love for us. The back drop of the cross clearly demonstrates God’s deep love for us.
Although, we may not always understand current situations and the outcome, our confidence in the love nature of God is crucial. “God would not be God if He expressed Himself in any other way than perfect love” (Experiencing God, Blackaby).
