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
“Now, Christian, if thou meanest thus courageously to bear up against all opposition, in the march to heaven, as thou shouldst do well to raise thy spirit with such generous and soul-ennobling thoughts, so in an especial manner look thy principles be well fixed, or else thy heart will be unstable, and an unstable heart is weak as water, it cannot excel in courage.
Two things are required to fix our principles. First, an established judgement in this truth of God. He that knows not well what or whom he fights for [may] soon be persuaded to change his side, or at least stand neutral… Blind zeal is soon put to a shameful retreat, while holy resolution, built on fast principles, lifts up its head like a rock in the midst of waves. “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.’ Daniel 11:32…
The angel told Daniel who were the men that would stand to their tackling, and bear up for God in that hour, both of temptation and persecution… only a few of fixed principles, who knew their God whom they served, and were grounded in their religion, these should be strong, and do exploits: that is, to flatteries they should be incorruptible, and to power and force unconquerable.
Second, a sincere aim at the right end of our profession. Let a man be never so knowing in the things of Christ, if his aim is not right in his profession, that man’s principles will hang loose; he will not venture much or far for Christ, no more, no further than he can save his own stake. A hypocrite may show some mettle at hand, some courage for a spurt in conquering some difficulties; but he will show himself a jade at length.”
William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 8) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Now find myself back in another great Puritan work. This one examines the war the saints wage against the devil. Having experienced spiritual warfare and victory in Pakistan, I want to read and learn to be strong and do more exploits.
The Scripture that Gurnall referenced stood out to me. It reminds us that when our principles are fixed and our heart is stable, we can withstand the attacks from the enemy and have great victory by the grace of God.
Gurnall connects fixed principles and a stable heart with “generous and soul-ennobling thoughts.” This implies that when we aim “to bear up against all opposition” with fixed principles and a stable heart, we ready ourselves for victory.
I have returned safely home. Thanks for your prayers. I will rest on the weekend, then I must raise my spirit with “generous and soul-ennobling thoughts.” I will need it as I return to Poland and Ukraine after Easter.
For now, I pray for the courage of Daniel. And, as Passion Week fast approaches, watching the courage of Jesus will give me the “generous and soul-ennobling thoughts” I need to be strong and do exploits.