COURAGEOUS FAITH IN TROUBLED TIMES
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
— Daniel 11:32
In a prophetic passage marked by conflict, pressure, and compromise, this verse shines as a timeless spiritual principle. It does not promise exemption from battle, but it reveals the secret to victory within it. Opposition in the world is inevitable, but the response of God’s people is not determined by pressure it is determined by intimacy with God. Knowing Him becomes the wellspring of strength and the catalyst for action.
I. The Reality: A World of Flattery and Compromise
Daniel’s prophecy describes a season of deception, where smooth and persuasive words lure many away from covenant truth. Our generation mirrors this reality. There is persistent pressure to conform, to dilute convictions, and to trade courage for comfort. This is the battleground where faith is tested. The question is not if pressure will come, but how we will respond when it does.
The Scripture warns us plainly:
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
— James 2:17–18
II. The Foundation: Knowing God Personally
Beloved, the secret is not merely knowing about God, but truly knowing Him.His character, His ways, His promises, and His heart. This is relational knowledge cultivated through prayer, His Word, and consistent obedience. It is the kind of knowledge that declares, “No matter what comes, God is faithful.” Such intimacy anchors the soul when everything else is shaking.
The Psalmist declared:
“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
— Psalm 9:10
III. The Expression: Strength That Leads to Action
True knowledge of God produces inner strength “they shall be strong” and that strength expresses itself through decisive action “and do exploits.” This strength manifests as courage, resilience, conviction, and endurance. The exploits may not always be public or celebrated; often, they are quiet acts of faithfulness: standing for truth, walking in integrity, loving sacrificially, sharing the gospel boldly, and refusing compromise when it would be easier to yield.
The Apostle Paul exhorted us:
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:13
IV. The Promise: God Empowers the Faithful
Child of God, this strength is not self-generated. The very God we know is the source of our power to stand and to act. Our exploits are accomplished through Him. When intimacy with God leads to total dependence on Him, His supernatural strength is perfected in our weakness. He faithfully equips those who remain resolute in covenant loyalty.
As Paul testified:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
— Philippians 4:13
And again, the prophetic assurance stands:
“But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
— Daniel 11:32
Conclusion
Daniel 11:32 is both a diagnosis and a prescription.
The diagnosis: trials, deception, and pressure will surely come.
The prescription: Know your God.
In a world that entices you to bend, let your deep and personal knowledge of the Almighty make you strong. Let that strength propel you into faithful action your daily exploits of courage, steadfast love, obedience, and uncompromising witness. Do not merely endure the times; shape them through the strength God supplies to those who know Him.
VICTORY AT LAST!!!
Prayer and Declaration
Father, I thank You for revealing Yourself to me as my source of strength in troubled times. Today, I declare that I will know You deeply, walk with You intimately, and stand firm in covenant truth. By Your grace, I receive strength to resist compromise, courage to act in faith, and power to do the exploits You have ordained for my life. I declare that through Christ who strengthens me, I will overcome every pressure, fulfill my assignment, and glorify You in my generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
