Moving the Heart of God
Following Daniel's example of prayer and perseverance can help us touch God and experience his special touch in our lives.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of having 'the touch of God' in our lives, using the example of the prophet Daniel, who exemplified faith and perseverance in a corrupt society. Despite being an ordinary man, Daniel's deep prayer life and unwavering faith allowed him to experience God's presence and deliverance, even in dire circumstances like the lions' den. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek a similar relationship with God, reminding us that if Daniel could remain faithful amidst idolatry, we too can thrive in our modern challenges. The sermon calls for a commitment to prayer and supplication, as demonstrated by Daniel, to invite God's touch into our lives.
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We know what it means when we hear it said that people have "the touch of God" upon them. They may be simple men or women by the world's standards, but they have been alone with God and they speak with authority and conviction of the Holy Spirit. The prophet Daniel was such a man.
Daniel was disciplined, courageous, especially gifted; an ordinary believer might feel he could not measure up. But Daniel is an example of a great man who was wholly human and possessed the frailties of the human condition. His story is meant to teach us how to touch God -- and be touched by him.
Daniel represents God's holy remnant in an evil time, and his captivity in Babylon illustrates our present struggle in a modern Babylon. He shows us today how to persevere in seeking God until his hand is upon us as well.
If Daniel could stay true to God in a day of apostasy and idolatry, we can do so today, no matter how wicked the times become. If he could not only keep his faith but also become so engrossed with the Lord that God came down and touched him, this too is possible for us today. The same God who touched Daniel will touch us!
Daniel's prayer life had turned him into a man of such great faith that when he was lowered into the lions' den, he didn't utter a word. His faith in God shut the mouths of the lions and instead of being devoured by them, Daniel just went to sleep, resting in the Lord. When he was brought out of the den, the king attributed his deliverance to his faith: "No injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God" (Daniel 6:23).
Do you want a special touch of God on you? Then you should consider following Daniel's example of prayer: "Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications ... And I prayed to the Lord my God" (Daniel 9:3-4).
Sermon Outline
- Daniel's Example of Prayer
- Daniel's Prayer Life
- The Power of Faith
- The Result of Prayer
Key Quotes
“The same God who touched Daniel will touch us!” — David Wilkerson
“If Daniel could stay true to God in a day of apostasy and idolatry, we can do so today, no matter how wicked the times become.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We can stay true to God in difficult times by following Daniel's example of faith and prayer.
- Prayer is a key to experiencing God's touch and power in our lives.
- Perseverance and faith are essential for seeking God and receiving his blessing.