“You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times” (Matt. 16:3b, ESV).
There are those gifted to decipher hidden symbols and profound truths from parables in the night, but how many can accurately interpret the headlines of the day? Where are those with an “excellent spirit” like Daniel who are filled with knowledge, understanding and the ability to decipher the problems we’re facing in the real world?
“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and officials because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king thought to set him over the whole realm” (Dan. 6:3, MEV).
Interpreting the Times
The Lord spoke to me today when I was bemoaning the fact that I wasn’t having dreams like I used to. There was a season when I dreamt almost every night and recorded everything—even up to nine dreams in a row. During that season, God spoke a lot of things to me, and I even produced a Dream Interpretation teaching series as a result. Lately, however, my visions in the night have been almost nonexistent.
The other morning, as usual, I headed straight for the various media sources I scan each day to see what was happening. Though I read the Word daily, I almost rebuked myself for being so drawn to the news. Then the Holy Spirit tapped me on the shoulder and said, “You’re not interpreting dreams right now because people need to know how to interpret the times.” His response was totally unexpected but immediately life-giving. Instead of focusing so much on understanding messages in the night, He needs us to accurately discern what is happening in broad daylight.
Kings of old used to call their wise men, who were “versed in law and judgment,” to come and provide solutions for the sake of their kingdom (see Esth. 1:13). Today, God has raised up men and women of God with this same spirit of excellence. They have been given the tools of knowledge and understanding in governmental affairs, and the wisdom of heaven to provide clarity and direction. It’s time to recognize them and call them forth. They will not merely give a prophetic word about our future, but give us the wisdom in how to walk through today.
Calling All Daniels
I join with heaven in calling for the Daniels to rise and speak to the kings and rulers of today. I call for those who are drawn to watch in the day even more than in the night. I pray that these men and women would be filled with a spirit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding concerning the times we live in. I bless those with this call and motivation to interpret God’s dealings with us in this hour so that we can agree with heaven and fulfill the King’s commission. We don’t need to keep looking for clues in this nightmare. For those with the spirit of Daniel, the answers will be right in front of their eyes.
“It is He who changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who know understanding. He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him” (Dan. 2:21-22). {eoa}
Wanda Alger has been a field correspondent with Intercessors for America, is a recognized fivefold prophetic minister with DOVE USA, and is the author of several books including Prayer That Sparks National Revival and Moving from Sword to Scepter: Ruling Through Prayer as the Ekklesia of God. She and her husband founded Crossroads Community Church in 1998 where her husband serves as lead pastor. Follow her blog at wandaalger.me.
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