The book of Daniel has been one of the pivotal tools for the student who takes understanding the end times seriously and diligently. Count me as one of them. I have come across Daniel 12:10 more than several times in the past, but it sure took on a totally new dimension as 2021 ended and the new year began. So writes the prophet Daniel in the last chapter of his God-inspired book, the tenth verse reads as follows: “Many shall be purified, made white and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.”
Until recently, a lot of us who set our eyes on the Blessed Hope were sort of accustomed to a rather humdrum routine. We diligently followed the latest updates, had our regular Bible studies, and attended conferences (whether in person or online). Quite an education we received; the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding from the Lord would be of great functional value in the days that would come – they sure did!
If not for this critical learning process, we could have been helpless and hopeless in the times we are in right at this moment. More than trying times for multitudes around the world, ourselves included. But we did not merely hang on when the going got really tough and barely bearable. A good number of us came out stronger and with greater resilience. Defiance of gravity yet again? It was primarily the work of the Holy Spirit in us that empowered and enabled, without which all that training would not have been put to optimal use. Some others could partially believe what they were taught and then come to nothing. But we held on and were putting things into practice. Purely volitional, but we chose this path, inspired by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
It was the enablement and empowerment that permitted us to make sense of the prevailing situation. We actually did more than just hang on. We could literally grasp the big picture and rejoice in our hearts because it translated into one thing – our redemption was getting real close, very close indeed!
The refining process did take root from the moment we chose to believe in the pre–Tribulation Rapture. We did not follow the crowd that believed in some other doctrine, neither did we have time for focus on that which was irrelevant. Being made white was the tough part. A lot of us experienced this only very recently. There was a lot of undue pressure. Just as the strain of multiple disruptions began to take some toil out of the weary, it felt like a tightening noose. The incessant false narratives alongside pressure from loved ones and friends pushed us to near breaking point. It could only get worse when we had to take a stand when the knives were drawn.
We were close to screaming out for help from the Lord, but we were cognizant of the scheme of things. Instead, we prayed earnestly for our Heavenly Father to see us through. We were at our wit’s end, and our gaping hole of shortfall could only be covered by His precious blood. He did not forsake us as we hung on, and when we just made it through his mercies so tender, we could only thank Him with praise in our hearts!
We would go through several rounds of cliffhanger rides until we are like fine linen in His eyes. Question is, how long more?
We have to be patient, trusting only in Him and no one else.
When we are finally refined as a white, finished product – we are no longer of this planet but all set for eternity in His forever Kingdom. We have the wisdom which enables us to see everything through a unique lens; nobody else has that God-given advantage. In our whitened state, it is truly a case of a Bride waiting to be snatched away at a split second. For we, through the above-said arduous process, fulfilled His Counsel so spelled out in Revelation 3:18. ” I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”
Maranatha
Edwin