As I continue my read through Daniel, chapters 8-10 are quite revealing of this man's tendency toward "travailing" in prayer.
Few in today's culture truly understand that concept. Yet, I have been fortunate enough, privileged in fact, to be around folks willing to "press-in" spiritually, though it sounds foolish and thus is seldom practiced. Those praying with such fervor may have felt that on the front end. I have been there!
How many folk have left their formal training, risking their personal livelihood to pray and seek after the spiritual future of their city? Yes, I spent 2-4 years in a 24th floor glassed office doing just that. I say 2-4 years, because the latter half morphed into a means of provision through multiple ventures by way of a company name spoken to me in my sleep some couple years before. I know this sounds strange coming from a former mayor!
Like Daniel, I never leaped into such a radical shifts without serious and prayerful contemplation. My CliftonStrengths Assessment will indicate no such tendency, as I am somewhat more strategic than most:
"You Lead With Strategic Thinking CliftonStrengths Leaders with great Strategic Thinking strengths are the ones who keep us all focused on what could be. They are constantly absorbing and analyzing information and helping the team make better decisions. People with strength in this domain continually stretch our thinking for the future."
Daniel was just such a one, thus likely a key to his influence through the numerous strategic transistions of multiple kings.
Just know that I share all this in a humbling act of obedience, knowing how it must sound, but that seems to be my assignment in this "third window" of my fourth quarter, as referenced in yesterday's post.
By the way, my 24th floor office, in fact the entire floor, was offered rent free as a gift from a business man who both respected risk and had long desired to impact cities. I trust my prayers have seeded such impact, as I watch what is unfolding as I write.
My dear friend had no clue why he showed up in my office at the same time on the same day, after an entire night of travailing prayers. His obedience was my release to pursue what could have destroyed our finances, but has now led to a life most abundant.
There were moments when like Daniel that I would ask: "For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me." Daniel 10:17 KJV.