Daniel 10:12
Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain an understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.” NIV
This verse is so interesting to me.
It speaks to God’s timing, which often differs from mine.
Daniel has been mourning, fasting and praying for three weeks. When the vision (a messenger from God) arrives, he notes that Daniel has been heard from the very beginning, “But I was waylaid,” the vision says in verse 13.
He was heard from the beginning … but the response did not come immediately.
I only have one sibling, and there are many years between us. I’m the oldest, so, for many years, I was an only child. My parents did their best not to spoil me, but, I believe that I must have at times been quite demanding, because a popular phrase in our house was, “Contrary to popular opinion, little girl, the world DOES NOT revolve around you.”
But, my world DID revolve around me, and, sometimes, I’m still guilty of having that perspective, especially when it comes to my relationship to God. How many times have I found myself in a complete mess and on my knees asking God to swiftly intervene and clean it up for me? God is not a genie in a bottle, and I am most certainly not Major Nelson. And, look how great that turned out. Every time Jeannie wiggled her nose to grant one of Major Nelson’s requests, something disastrous happened. Major Nelson didn’t have the whole picture … his world — in fact the whole show — revolved around him … his house, his job, his friends.
God is running the universe. And, at the same time, He knows me perfectly and loves me completely. But, He has the whole picture. I don’t. He hears me, but, when my requests run contrary to, or are ahead of, His plan … they will not be granted … at least not in the timeframe that I desire them — which is always NOW … preferably 10 minutes ago.
It is so comforting to read this verse … to read what I already have always known … God hears my prayers. He will respond.
In His perfect time.
That’s what I’ll think about today.
365 Days of Peace 
Daniel 10:12 is one of my favorite verses. Precisely how you have explained it. It confirms to me that my Father does hear me, and that He will answer me in due time according to His will. This is so reassuring!
Agreed!
I really liked the message today – I too am guilty of thinking that the world revolves around me!
Good things to think about – thank you!
BTW, I think you have mixed your Supernatural Sixties Series – Jeannie crossed her arms and blinked, while Samantha in Bewitched wiggled her nose!
Keep up the good work!
You’re right! Thanks for catching that error. Perhaps I did not … as I was always lead to believe … watch too much TV as a kid!
I’m so glad you found me so I could find you! I’ve been looking for an encouraging and challenging devotional blog I could follow.
365 Days of Peace is just that. Your writing is very refreshing!
And I too am guilty of finding myself and my circumstances the center of all creation. Thanks for the reminder!
I’m so glad you’re here. I love your blog, too. All the best to you!
I read the verse several times….very powerful! What sticks out to me is the….’set your mind to gain an understanding and to humble yourself before your God’ …. as I need to remember to gain more understanding and be humble…as Daniel did and God listened and answered (yes in His time) …Daniel did waited patiently…w/out worry.
And isn’t it funny that both Jeannie and Samantha solved problems w/a no worries approach…w/ magic. Possibly this is where my generation has some problems with worry and control. Life isn’t that easy to ‘fix’ – blink of any eye or wiggle of a nose….
LOL … you are absolutely right! Samantha and Jeannie were all about immediate gratification.
And, I agree with you completely on the “set your mind to gain an understanding” and the humbling part … not certain I could go without eating for three weeks! But, that’s really the mindset I need to think more about. I didn’t mean to trivialize this story … Daniel is earnestly and urgently seeking God here … I need to do that, too!
Very good post I truly enjoyed the read,oh yea we do not like to wait! But God really does know best. Have a fantastic evening 😀 😀
Thanks so much for your encouraging words and for stopping by! I checked out your blog … you are a very wise woman, Pat. All the best to you!