Have you ever gotten good at something on accident, just through repetition?

The longsufferer is keenly aware of their exhaustion, of their weaknesses, and of the ways they are concerned that they won't be able to endure. At the same time, simply being in the state of longsuffering means you're already enduring, whether that endurance feels active and planned and controlled or like muddling through moment by moment.

Where does the strength to "suffer on" come from? Let's take a look at how Daniel is met in a moment of great weakness and given strength not his own to rely upon.

Now that you've answered the Icebreaker, here's another question - this one, about running races.

What race was Daniel running?

At first, it was about surviving in exile.
After that, it was about outliving the exile.
But then, it got much bigger - and more difficult.

After Daniel learned (in Daniel 9) that the exile would be longer than he'd hoped, he likely felt discouraged and exhausted. Unfortunately for him, it gets worse in chapters 10-12, as a series of visions invite him to grapple with the idea that he's caught in a conflict that is bigger than any generation, kingdoms, or human solutions.

This news overwhelms Daniel, but it is in the middle of this that he finds a source of strength. Let's take a look and consider how that kind of strength exists for all of us as well. 

Hopefully that makes enough sense to get you started. As you continue into the Worship portion of the Spotlight, pray this prayer together:

Lord, 
On those days when it is hardest to continue,
come and be with us. 
If we need to wait for you, we will.
Just do not leave us alone, 
come and share with us your strength for all that lies ahead.
Amen.

Prayer for Eagles’ Wings
(inspired by Isaiah 40: 27-31)

You lift us up to the heights, Holy One.
On wings like eagles you enable us to
soar with the possibilities
of revolution, of transformation
both within our own souls
and within this world which needs so much care.
And yet it is not the bright skies
where we most often live.
We are here with our feet on the ground—
your feet planted firmly beside us
as we try to walk without fainting:
walk through the shadows of
death and ill-health and addiction;
walk through life changes:
moves, births, aging, loss.
We need your strength to not grow weary
as we continue to hope for new life
amidst old attitudes and injuries.
We long to run and not grow faint
as we challenge demeaning political tirades
that seep into our own daily encounters;
and as we work for your compassion and wholeness
for all people, and all creatures, and the very earth.
Lift us up to the heights, Holy One.
Let us again catch a glimpse
of the vast possibilities
of your peace
even as we pray for it here on earth
by saying:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Have a volunteer read Daniel 10. Listen, but as you do, focus on the WHOLE of the chapter. What would you say this chapter is really intending to show its audience?

Daniel 10:1–21 (NIV)
Daniel’s Vision of a Man
1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.
 2 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. 3 I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. 
 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris, 5 I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. 
 7 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. 8 So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. 9 Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. 
 10 A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. 
 12 Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” 
 15 While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. 16 Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I feel very weak. 17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.” 
 18 Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. 19 “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” 
 When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.” 
 20 So he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

Close with this song.