A time of GREAT Distress!

“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.

And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.

But you, Daniel, shut up these words and seal the book until the time of the end. Many will roam to and fro, and knowledge will increase.” Daniel 12:1-4

This is part of an angel’s message to Daniel. It begins in Daniel chapter 10 verse 11 and continues to the end of the book. This ‘unnamed’ angel is debated in theological circles as to his identity – but there is no absolute certainty as to his name. Some theologians argue this ‘angel’ was Jesus BEFORE becoming a human. This isn’t the purpose of this devotional to debate the identity of this ‘messenger’ to Daniel. The purpose of this devotional is part of the message. Here’s the part…

Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.

Who actually would be called ‘the wise’? Those with the highest IQ? Those with the most ‘knowledge’? Those with the most academic degrees from theological institutions? Or does God give wisdom (and spiritual understanding) on a different basis? How does one obtain the true ‘wisdom’ with spiritual understanding? Who does God actually give wisdom to? The prideful? The smart? Or is wisdom given to an individual with certain character traits? What is God looking for when He is about to bestow His wisdom?

What is most precious… in a time of great uncertainty, chaos, and devastation? When everything is falling apart and institutions are crumbling where does one find stability and peace for their souls? When you’ve lost most of your earthly possessions and livelihood where do you turn? Who is your Source? In the opening passage the statement…

There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time.

We certainly are headed into a ‘time’ of great distress and uncertainty on a global scale. I am observing things that is more than I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. It makes one rethink any ‘plans’ one has made – because you realize that they won’t be enough. So… what then is the ‘plan’? What is the ‘thing’ that will carry us ‘through’? Only one thing … and intimate, real, daily, relationship with the ‘real’ God. Not a religion, not a plan, not money, not ‘set aside’ preparations (store houses of food and weapons and land), will be able withstand the coming ‘time of distress’. Only God’s protection and Hand to shelter and provide for those who truly ‘know’ Him – will make it ‘through’ that time. Now I understand that making it ‘through’ means the final destination of His Kingdom of heaven. It is NOT an ‘earthly’ survival. Spiritual survival should be the ONLY goal of those that love God.

This all brings me back to the same thing over and over. It is the intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit that is being built day by day, moment by moment, within you. Are you purposely focused on that relationship? How much value and priority to you put on that pursuit? How much of our prayer is actually focused on Him and praying WITH Him, for what He wants for us? How valuable is this spiritual growth and relationship with the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Buckle up. Things are headed into unknown territories – that God only knows the outcome. Whose ‘camp’ do you want to be in when it ‘hits the fan’. Who or what are you really looking to for your ‘salvation’?

Father… YOU know. Jesus YOU are our King and Friend! Holy Spirit speak LOUDLY in our minds and hearts, show us ‘the way’. Guide our steps Lord!