CONFIDENT IN THE LORD
Play Audio
If you prefer listening to today’s Bible guide reading, play this audio file.
If the audio bar is not appearing, click here to play the audio.
Opening Prayer
O God, you are the author and giver of everything good in my life. Help me to offer you thanksgiving in my words and actions so that others can see who you are.
Read DANIEL 10:1–11:1
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Daniel’s Vision of a Man
10 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.
2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 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.
4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 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.
7 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. 8 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. 9 Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground.
10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 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.
12 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. 13 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. 14 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.”
15 While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. 16 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. 17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”
18 Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. 19 “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.”
20 So he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince. 11 1 And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him.)
Reflect
What is personally challenging as you reflect on the life and ministry of the prophet Daniel?
The answers to Daniel’s intercessions were not only given in history (Jerusalem would be restored in time) but also personally in visions of terrifying angelic messengers. The angel came in response to Daniel’s consistent prayer, which was confession of the historic personal and national sins of Israel. Daniel also prayed for the restoration of the sanctuary in Jerusalem. In return, he received personal assurances and high praise, reflecting the esteem in which he was held in the heavenly court. He was highly honored, respected, and appreciated.
Daniel fascinates me. He was a man whose day job was that of a high-ranking civil servant but whose other occupation was intercession on behalf of his homeland. It is undeniable that he was such an excellent government administrator because he was focused on the business of the kingdom of God. I sometimes imagine the incredible changes for good that are possible if all African, Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian Christians in the diaspora adopted Daniel’s attitudes and work ethic.
The history of the people of God, from Cyrus and his decree to release the captives and set them free to rebuild their ruined nations,1 up to the time when all God’s enemies will be destroyed,2 is turbulent at every twist and turn. What is not in doubt, however, is that in God’s diary, the date for the destruction of all his enemies, including sin and death, is fixed. God, not the events, is in control at all times. This calls for his people to stand tall, strong, and fearless in the face of turbulence and tribulation. ‘From victory unto victory, his army shall he lead, till every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed.’3
Apply
What is your reputation in heaven concerning your prayer life, especially your intercessions for your country and the church? It is said of Daniel that he was ‘highly esteemed.’
Closing prayer
Lord God, I ask that you call many more to faith in Christ through dreams and visions, just like you did with Daniel.
1 Ezra 1:1–4. 2 Rev 20:14, 15. 3 ‘Stand up, Stand up for Jesus’ George Duffield, 1858, 2.
Book and Author Intros
Extras
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2025 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.