DESTINED FOR GREATNESS

Then he said to me, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I have come because of your words."

Daniel 10:12

I have prayed and cried, fasted and fasted some more and it seems like things may work for a while and then things shift again. Maybe God did not hear me? Did I do something wrong?

Have you ever read the story about Daniel? He was more than just the story about being in the den with lions. He was a man that was disciplined, diligent and he was a man of God. He had integrity and the kings depended on him for answers. He seemed to be consistent and observant. Daniel worked a secular job that had him work for a man that did not necessarily believe in God. Daniel had his faith tested when he was told to bow to another god, when he was told not to worship any god-God for a period of time the king had designated. Although he disobeyed it was not rude, dishonoring or pompous, he stood on his truth that God would deliver him and give him answers when he inquired. Daniel sought God (Daniel 9:3) praying and making declarations and fasted for three weeks. Daniel had an encounter with an angel of God giving him an astounding message, this message seemed to have to him in one year but a few years later Daniel was back to praying, fasting and yet again seeking God for answers for what seems to be the same matter. Once again Daniel had an encounter and was given a word or clarity on what was troubling the answers to come forth.

All of God's promises to us are 'Yes and Amen'. God's word DOES not lie, it is truth and never comes back to us void. Daniel sought God in prayer and when things did not look like it should Daniel went back to God. No lie, I would sometimes feel a slight bitterness or resentment toward doing something I did not find results in. When I prayed about my family some years ago I wanted to physically fix them, I took on the stress of trying to make everything work or make them listen to sermons and many times I wanted to create a video inspired just for them. Even when I made attempts they failed tragically and I blamed God, I did pray and did ask for answers but I never waited because I wanted it done NOW! Sometimes when I did not get answers fast enough I because as far as I was concerned God did not answer me I would go lengths without seeking God in prayer-a sign of pride. Consciously or unconsciously I was saying to God I cannot trust you and I do not believe although you are all knowing and seeing that I can figure things out on my own. Many times if I had waited the answer was on it's way like in the case of Daniel.

Daniel waited on the Lord and an angel came and told Daniel that God heard his prayer from the first time but in the spiritual realm there were battles going on to bring the answer forth. Many times because we do not know what God has placed in us we do not truly understand the battles we are faced with.

There was a vision God had given me years ago. I never understood it so never inquired to God about it. As my spiritual level increased the vision came again with more clarity or intensity. I was then able to seek God in prayer of inquiry: how to get this done, who do I connect with? I became more diligent at seeking, listening-out for answers and taking notes. My focus was on attempting to get this project done, while I thought I was focusing on this thing I was schooling, parenting, running a business and serving in church. There were times I took time to reconnect to God in fasting and prayer. Answers came to do a course or start doing something that seemed so irrelevant to what I was asking God for, but I obeyed. Fast-forward a few years later every other instruction that I was thinking was separate from this one vision ended up tying into the vision in different ways. I know the plans I have for you, said the Lord (Jeremiah 29:11). He knows what you will need for your journey, what tools will need to be added to your belt and what is a waste of time. A part of getting answers is diligence. I felt like I was not making steps toward the vision that I was focusing on but in obedience and diligence in seeing the other instructions through I got answers and more clarity on the main vision that I was focusing on. There is something that God has placed in your belly, in your heart that has to be birthed. Everything we do when guided by the Holy Spirit eventually provides the thing that needs to be birthed.

Daniel even when he had been tested remained committed to his assignment in the king quarters. He made an impact and changed the people in the country. You have been chosen for such a time as this (Esther 4:14), a time to make change at your school, office or department. There was testimony I heard about a Christian in Alberta that attended a school that had a document that had to be turned in that was derogatory toward the people and kingdom of God. The student in all humility but assertiveness to stand up about her belief protested against doing the project like Daniel. She could've been expelled for her belief but it made change and impacted the other quiet believers that were there.

If it is to teach, produce movies, videos, stories whatever it is do it with diligence. Diligence is to continue to do something regardless of the obstacles that you may be faced with, managing your time, finding others that are doing the same thing to learn from, and becoming a person that despises sin and shame. Sin is anything that causes you to disobey God and shame is a feeling that may come as a result of a thought or words that may have been spoken to or about you. At a point in time I thought I could pray my way into receiving everything that I wanted without me really having to do anything. Outside of prayer and our commitment to God we must do the work. In order for me to become A RMT-massage therapist I had to go to school but as I wanted to specialize in a particular area or even become excellent at what I do I needed to connect with other therapists that I could learn from and others that I can grow with. There were some therapists that were years ahead of me. I would speak to them about different concerns with my plans or even some conditions a client had, then there were therapists that were mostly on the same stage as I was that I would connect with and therapists that I would help. This created a network and community for continuous growth and accountability while still intensely seeking continued education and reading immensely. Do you see a man diligent, skillful or competent in his work? They will serve before kings and not mere men (Proverbs 22:29). Before we go and embarrass ourselves in front of dignitaries we are tested and behind the scenes perfecting our skill.

There was a scripture that exemplified God's love and his desire for us to grow and become great was in the story of Abraham when he was told by God to look around from where he stood, from the north, south, east and west all the land that he could see will be given to him. The wait was in some cases a matter of our characters being tested, commitment, diligence, perseverance and trusting in God.

As I conclude, remain faithful to God even when it may seem like prayers are not being answered, when you do not really understand the vision, after praying and fasting know that God has heard your prayer and He answers when we call on Him. Continue to fulfill the plans He has placed in your heart.

#beingdiligent #Godgivesthedesiresofourheart #thewayoftherighteousislikeashiningsun #godknowstheplanshehasforus