Sometimes there’s just nothing like an old word.

I’m reading a book about faith and the author referenced a passage in Daniel that I’d never heard before.   “The people who know their God will display strength and take action” (Daniel 11:32).  Great verse.  I wanted to remember it.  It was “underline-able”.  So I got out my own Bible and this is what the New King James Version said:

“The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits”.

Exploits.  “ A striking or notable deed or feat, a spirited or heroic act”.  It conjures up images of Narnia or Indiana Jones.  The Bible details the exploits of God’s people: giant-slaying, lion-taming, water-walking exploits.

While we may not live in the times of giants and lion’s dens and invitations to literally step out of our boats, God promises that opportunities for action and adventure abound.  We’re told to put on battle armor (Ephesians 6:11), use weapons of warfare (2 Corinthians 10:4),  fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), run the race like we intend to win (1 Corinthians 9:24),  press toward the goal for the prize (Philippians 3:14).

I don’t want to sit in the equivalent of a Christian La-Z-Boy chair with my hand on the remote watching other people’s spiritual adventures.  I want to put on that battle armor, lace up those running shoes, go for the gold – and carry out great exploits. 

Sometimes there’s just nothing like an old word.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.           Ephesians 6:10