How did Daniel come to this path of brokenness, knowledge and discernment? It began with his study of God's Word. Daniel allowed the Scriptures to lay hold of him fully. And he quoted them often and at length, because he'd hidden them away in his heart: "As it is written in the law…" (Daniel 9:13).
In chapter 10, this godly prophet was given a vision of Christ, "I lifted up my eyes…and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz…and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire…and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude" (10:5–6).
I urge you, set your heart today to seek God with all diligence and determination. Then go to his Word with ever-increasing love and desire. Pray with fasting for brokenness, to receive his burden. Finally, confess and forsake everything that hinders the Holy Spirit from opening heaven's blessings to you. The path of "men of another sort" is open to everyone. Will you walk in it?
Such a walk brings the touch of God. Daniel testified, "Behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands" (Daniel 10:10).
This happens anytime God touches someone's life. That person falls to his knees and becomes a man or woman of prayer, driven to seek the Lord.
I've often wondered why God touches only certain people with this urgency. Why do some servants become hungry seekers after him, while other faithful people go their way? God-touched servants have an intimate relationship with the Lord.
They receive revelations from heaven. And they enjoy a walk with Christ that few others do.
God needed a voice to speak his message. He wanted a praying servant, someone who would respond faithfully to his calling. Daniel was that man. He'd been praying devoutly three times a day. And now, as he walked along the river, Christ revealed himself to him (see Daniel 10:7–9).
God made Daniel his oracle because:
- Daniel never let up in prayer (see Daniel 10:2–3).
- Daniel grieved over the spiritual decline in society and the church (see Daniel chapter 9).
- Daniel refused to harbour or hide sin (Daniel 9:4–5).