Echo

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war.The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.

At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.  His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.

A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.

Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”

While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak. How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”

Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”

When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”  Daniel 10:1-19

Today's passage is long. But read it anyway. 

I'm basically echoing the same words I just relayed a few days ago. I'm talking to myself today. And anyone else who wants to listen.

Are you worn out from life challenges? Would you appreciate a little direction from God? Would you like to have guidance for the future? Would you like to be led out of your wilderness? Would you like to have some answers? Would you like to simply have strength and peace in the storm?

Maybe it's time for you and I to take everything up a notch. If we want direction from God, we must do what it takes to actually get God's attention. If we are escaping the pain or discomfort through reading, movies, hobbies, work, etc., we are going to stay stuck. 

Daniel decided to go on the Daniel fast for three weeks. (See what I did there?)

"Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them." 

The FIRST DAY that he set his mind, his words were heard. And then he HUMBLED himself. 

FYI, Humbling yourself is the opposite of a pity party. A pity party is actually pride rising up. 

"What have I done to deserve this?," is a whiney attitude.

A whiney pity party is not pleasing to God at all. 

So instead of hanging our heads, let's do something to get God's attention. Let's use our words for starters. Just be honest with God. He hears us the first time and every time. 

Let's shift our attention away from the challenges at hand. Let's focus our attention on the One who knows our future. The One who will guide us. The One who hears every prayer.

God showed up for Daniel. Did He ever.

God wants to hear our words. He wants us to set our minds to get His attention. He wants us to fast and mourn in prayer. He is listening!

Thank You Jesus for opening our eyes once again this morning. Please help us to grasp the simple truth of gaining specific insight through fasting and praying desperate prayers. You are mighty and You live in us. We must set our minds to receive Your strength. In Jesus' name, AMEN."