Most people have a desire to make a positive difference. What enables us to perform noble acts of service? In a prophetic vision, the prophet Daniel revealed the key how God may enable us to do great exploits. We see a contrast between those who forsake God and those who know God: 

By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. (Daniel 11:32)

An illustration of this prophecy was revealed during the time of Antiochus as many fell away from God during a time of great persecution, but others bravely held fast to their faith. The implication is those who fell away did not know God. Daniel tells us that the people who know their God would display strength. The word strength conveys the idea of taking courage and fortifying oneself. This same Hebrew word is used earlier in the book of Daniel and is translated as both courage and strength:

He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” (Daniel 10:19)

Daniel was able to do great exploits for God because he was strong in the Lord. So how does one become strong? We become strong as we get to know God. There is a vast difference between knowing God, and knowing about God. We know God by getting to know Jesus for Jesus came to reveal God to us:

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (John 17:3)

The Bible teaches us about the true nature of God, it is God’s love letter to us. We get to know God as we invest time with Him. Prayer is the opportunity to know God in a personal and intimate way as we daily converse with Him and seek His direction for our lives. Our constant communion with God enables us to know God as our closest friend and confidant. The Apostle Paul’s supreme goal in life was to know the fullness of God in his life:

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; (Philippians 3:10)

What is your greatest desire in life? May Paul’s prayer be realized in your life:

and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19)

When you experience the fullness of God, He will enable you to do great exploits:

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, (Ephesians 3:20)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5