The Touch of God
Have you ever felt so weary from life, whether it is home, work, worry or ministry, that you just felt that you couldn’t take one more step? That you felt all strength was zapped from you? I think Daniel felt this way in Chapter 10 after he was left alone to have another troubling vision. (10:7)
Now imagine being on the ground, face down and feeling a comforting touch…
Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. (Dan 10:10-11 NKJV)
This touch occurred to Daniel three different times in the chapter. After hearing words from the “angel” in v12-14, Daniel again turned his face to the ground, speechless. The vision had overwhelmed him and no strength was left in him. This time, “suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men” touched his lips, allowing Daniel to speak. (v16). Daniel spoke but ran out of steam again and for the third time, God (in the form of angel or preincarnate Christ – you decide) touched and strengthened him.
Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said,”O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong! (Dan 10:18-19 NKJV)
Admittedly, Daniel was strengthened after this exhortation! Wouldn’t you be, if Jesus Himself told you to get up and face life? Did you know that Jesus tells us personally to keep pressing on all of the time in His Word? I find that so awesome how he personally speaks to me. I pray that He speaks to you too, all who are weary and void of strength:
Isaiah 40:28-31 28Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (NKJV)
Dear Father, I thank you for your touch, your care and the strength you provide to me as well as your other servants when we are feeling too weary to go on. Forgive us when we don’t trust in your strength or forget to “wait” upon you. Give us a renewed sense of vision and passion for what you would have us to do for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Note: With the exception of the ending prayer, this post is a reprint of my October 16, 2005 post from my devotional blog, Bread Crumbs. I felt that it was a needed reminder to all of us who are in Christian service – which should be all Christians in some form or fashion – that God is a very present help to us and will offer His touch in our lives.
Janna,
The entire life and experience of Daniel is so profound. It speaks volumes to me. I am so glad to read this today.
You point to Jesus as our strenght and girl, this week, I KNOW it is Jesus who is my sustainer, my everything. Great Post.
Thank you for this lovely post and the prayer.
God bless
This was a real encouragement Janna. There are days when emotional weariness just seems to take over. Thank you for sharing this post and prayer.
I just love Daniel. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this post, Janna. I need to think of Daniel more often these days!