I’ve been contemplating the life of the prophet Daniel this week.  He is an incredible combination of profound competence and righteous character – Daniel is a great model of a spiritual leader.  Near the end of this short book is an arresting verse,

. . . but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. (Daniel 11:32b)

I have a friend, Hap Struthers, who would often share this verse with me.  Hap is an individual who does great exploits – I want that to be true of my life and that’s probably also the desire of your heart.  We were made to do great works (Ephesians 2:10).

The key to doing great exploits is to know God and we know God by investing quality time with Him to gain His perspective.  But the great exploits do not come automatically, their accomplishment takes effort.  It’s often a steep road that leads to the heights of greatness.  Great lives, like great ships, are built for the open seas, not for the harbor.

We live at a time where we need people to do great exploits.  As Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”  What is a great exploit that God is calling you to do?  Don’t miss your miracle.   John Greenleaf Whittier wisely observed, “For of all sad words of tongues or pen the saddest are these: it might have been.”  In the words of the great theologian and hockey player Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Invest some time with God and don’t miss your great exploits!

Dr. Rick Higgins
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University