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the power of knowing God

Daniel 11:29-35 (JDV)

Daniel 11:29 “At the appointed time he will turn and come again to the South, but this time will not be like the first.
Daniel 11:30 Ships of Kittim will come against him, and being startled, he will withdraw. Then he will rage against the holy covenant and take action. On his return, he will favor those who abandon the holy covenant.
Daniel 11:31 His strong forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the regular sacrifice and set up the abomination, making it desolate.
Daniel 11:32 With flattery he will corrupt those who act wickedly regarding the covenant, but the people who know their God will be strong and take action.
Daniel 11:33 Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to many, yet they will still fall by the sword and flame, and be captured and plundered for a time.
Daniel 11:34 When they fall, they will be partnered by some, but many others will join them hypocritically.
Daniel 11:35 Some of those who have insight will fall so that they may be refined, purified, and cleansed until the time of the end because it will still come at the appointed time.

The evil king Antiochus IV caused many Jews to renounce their faith. But the true believers stayed strong despite their deaths by sword and flame, bondage, and loss of property. Knowing God gave them the power to face all loss.

Staying strong does not guarantee immediate victory over the forces of evil. But the permanent success to come will be worth the struggle.