Daniel 10:19 - Be Strong Now!

Step 1: Pray. Select.

This morning, a conversation stuck in my mind about the concerns of motherhood in this day and age. Children face many new uncharted challenges we have never encountered in previous generations, and we have more technology than ever at our fingertips to assist us with our needs. Still, it seems we see children with more anxiety, bullying, and mental health issues than ever before.

I pondered on what the Bible says about the times we live in. As I researched scriptures to help clarify how to weather the current tides, I came across Daniel 10:19.

Let’s begin our journey there today, friends.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

Daniel 10:19 - “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words I circled that stood out, here is the personalized sentence that came alive in my heart.

• Jennifer, do not be afraid. “Peace! Be Strong now; be strong!”

If you are doing this alongside me today, make sure you add your name in front of your unique sentence so the Lord can speak directly to you.

Step 4: Visualize

Today, as I meditate on the sentence the LORD has given, I am awestruck at the wording. If you didn’t read yesterday’s blog (Step Toward Faith), the verbiage is shockingly similar in form, except it is a clear direction for today’s next step or command.

Yesterday was “Peace! Be Still.” And today, the Holy Spirit calls to me, saying, “Peace, Be strong now, be strong!” The word “now” lets me know there is no time for debate. There is only time for obedience and action.

I envision being back on the boat from yesterday’s blog with Jesus and the disciples, crossing the Sea of Galilee. Now that the waters are still, since Jesus spoke to the storm, we all stand together looking ahead. We are waiting to land in territory that we did not plan and have no idea what we might encounter. We are not entirely sure of the direction we are traveling since there is little to no visibility from the thick, dense fog that engulfs the environment, and the storm has tossed us to and fro, disorienting my perspective. The only thing I know is that as long as Jesus is on our boat, we will prevail.

As we drift through the waters, which are eerily still, He turns to me and says, “Do not be afraid. Be strong now, be strong.”

As he says this, the entire world around us disappears. An incredible light fills the atmosphere, and Jesus smiles at me. It is as if we are transported entirely to another place. As the light fades away, I am no longer on the boat but in a forest filled with the most amazing trees and flowers. There is a creek with running water. I am standing with Jesus on the shore where the ground is moist yet sturdy next to the creek.

“Is this place real?” I think to myself. I don’t feel hesitant about where I have landed; I just can't tell if this is a dream since I was just lost at sea.

Just then, it hit me: I was always in this place with Jesus. I just had to look for it. So no matter what is physically going on in the world, if I continue to look at Jesus and do as he commands, beauty takes over, and fear does not exist. Nothing matters outside of this moment. Nothing ahead or behind; the beauty of right now is all that matters.

Friends, no matter your situation or unknown circumstances, just make sure you are close to Jesus. He can transport your problems and take you to a new place without any effort of travel; you just have to do as he commands and be one hundred percent authentically and unapologetically you.

A question arises I want to ask the Holy Spirit, so I move to Step 5.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The requests/questions that came to mind are:

• Holy Spirit, why didn’t we land on the shore you originally intended, as in the Book of Mark?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

Here is the answer I received:

“You are here to meet with the Holy Spirit. Not to read my word by the Letter of the Law. You are here to have an experience. Not to enforce religiosity, like the Pharisees. You wanted to walk with me, and I wanted to show you what I see when you see danger. You see a potential threat, I see beauty in you choosing to be strong and go with me without question into places of the unknown. You showed up today and did as I commanded. You brought your fear to me over these generations and the state of the world, so I will take your fears and show you peace. I will turn everything for your good since you love me. I commanded you to 'be strong now' because that is how you will make a difference in this world. Though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you shall not be afraid, for I am with you. This world is nothing new to me. I am doing a new thing. Watch it spring up. Harden not your heart and say ‘YES’ to my instruction. ‘YES’ to my will. Yes! Yes! Yes! In doing this, your will will be my will. Cast your cares upon me, and I will show you the way.”

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you used the 8-Step Prayer Practice today, we want to see how God is working in your life! You can comment below or share your miracle or testimony HERE.

Conclusion:

Friends, I am beyond excited at this next step laid out strategically by the LORD.

Cast your cares upon him and be strengthened now! Don’t overthink this. Hand everything to the LORD, and he will take you to places more beautiful than you ever imagined amid your anguish.

Let’s surrender, be obedient, and submit to His will, so his will can become our will.

God bless your journeys today, friends. May they be filled with unexpected beauty through the power of Jesus.

See you soon!