Great Exploits

Read: Daniel 11:32-33

The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. Daniel 11:32, NKJV

IN WORD

Daniel’s prophecy tells of the shifting of nations and rulers, and of one particular ruler who would oppress and abuse God’s people and violate their sacred places. Many would fall victim to this oppressor, but those who know their God will rise above him. The statement is translated various ways, but its implications are clear. In the clash between kingdoms, the people who know the heart of their King stand against their enemies, are strong, take action, and carry out great exploits. They will do damage to the kingdom of darkness.

That’s our calling, and it’s a daunting one. Are we really able to plunder the lords of darkness? Are humble creatures like us really destined to venture into ominous kingdoms and win great victories? Apparently so, and it isn’t because we have superior strategies, overwhelming strength, or devastating weapons—at least not in ourselves. Our great exploits come because we know our God. That’s it. That’s where our strategies, strength, and weapons come from. He gives us everything we need to stand firm, take action, and plunder the enemy that everyone else flees from.

The problem is that so few believers know this that we tend to remain in a state of defeat or frustration. We resign ourselves to the status quo, not realizing that God has called and equipped us to overturn the status quo. As ambassadors, representatives, and mobile outposts of His Kingdom, we are meant to be resisters against evil and influencers for good. And to the degree we know Him, we can.

IN DEED

That’s the key: knowing God. Not knowing about Him, not merely understanding His truths, not simply practicing His principles, but knowing Him. The closer we draw in intimate communion, the more He imparts His solutions, strategies, character, and purposes to us. We may not even be conscious of it, but it happens. When opposing circumstances arise, we rise up. And our great exploits are celebrated in heaven.

ADDITIONAL READING: Ephesians 6:10-18

Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.

WINSTON CHURCHILL