A Strong Faith

IN DANIEL CHAPTER 10, the prophet records a vision he received from God which greatly troubled him. As a result, for three weeks he mourned, eating and drinking very little. (vss. 1-3) On the twenty-fourth day, Daniel saw what appeared to him as a “man clothed in linen,” with a belt of gold. The man’s body was like a beryl, his face was like lightning, his eyes like lamps of fire, his arms and legs like polished brass, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.—vss. 4-6

The men who were with Daniel did not see this vision, but they felt the ground quaking under them, and fled to hide themselves, leaving Daniel alone. Overwhelmed by this vision, Daniel wrote: “There remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption. … Then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.”—vss. 7-9

The man in the vision then spoke: “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have been sent to you. … Do not be afraid. … 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. … Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future.” (vss. 11-14, NIV) Daniel replied: “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, O man highly esteemed, he said. Peace! Be strong now; be strong. When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, Speak my lord.”—vss. 17-19, NIV

The angel gave strength to Daniel by touching him. God also “touches” us, giving us strength through his Holy Word. The psalmist wrote: “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” (Ps. 29:11; 46:1,2) Many other Scriptures are also given to boost our spiritual strength.—Ps. 18:1,2,30; 119:114; Matt. 4:4

By fixing our thoughts upon God, by reading and studying his Word, and by placing our trust entirely upon him, our faith will be strengthened and we will gain peace. The Prophet Isaiah said: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord … is the Rock eternal.”—Isa. 26:3,4, NIV

When Paul experienced weakness by a “thorn in the flesh,” God said to him, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (II Cor. 12:7-9) For us too, God strengthens us in our weaknesses. Through these, we can realize that whatever progress we make in developing the fruits and graces of the Spirit, it is only possible by the grace of God and through the strength which he gives to us. (Eph. 2:1-10) Indeed, it is only by his grace, and through the strength he provides, that we can develop a strong faith, even “unto death.”—Rev. 2:10