Day 10 Daniel Fast 12 Day Devotional
DAY 10: Gain Understanding
READING: Daniel 10
KEY VERSE
Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.
Daniel 10:12
Are you actively pursuing better understanding? At every phase in life, we become confident about what we know. At that point, we can fall into the trap of being overly self confident, and slow our pace of learning and growth. But one thing we see in Daniel’s life is his relentless pursuit of understanding, even as he grew older.
Make a note every time you see the word “understand” or understanding” in these next three chapters (you may also want to go back and reread previous chapters with this lens). Understanding is predominantly within the realm of your mind, but your spirit, soul, and body all have a capacity for understanding and intuition. Listen to the cues they give you.
The final part of the book of Daniel in chapters 10-12 records one vision that came to Daniel during a 21 day period of fasting. Daniel was mourning for three weeks, did not eat tasty food, meat, wine, or use any ointment during this time (Dan 10:2-3). A heavenly being comes to deliver a message to Daniel. Two times he calls Daniel, “man of high esteem”. Daniel’s response to this compliment is not to puff up, but to fall down.
Humility is a key character quality of Daniel throughout his life. He has a high station with kings, prominent titles, authority, is miraculously delivered from danger, and experiences angelic visitations, yet he stays humble. He has a true understanding of where honor is due, not to fear man’s consequences but always a posture of humility and respect towards God and whoever is sent on His behalf.
Humility and understanding go hand in hand. Humility will lead me to pursue knowledge and understanding, because I recognize I have room to grow more and to know more.
ADDITIONAL READING
Proverbs 15:14
Luke 24:45
1 John 5:20
QUESTIONS
In what areas are you trying to learn, grow, and seek understanding right now?
Have you pursued knowledge and understanding less as you’ve gotten older, or more?
Do you believe arrogance and ignorance go hand in hand? How does that contrast with humility and understanding?
