“Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” (Daniel 11:32)
One of the most comforting promises in the Bible comes from Daniel 11:32: “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” That verse reminds us that life does not have to be lived in our own strength. When we truly know God, something beautiful begins to happen inside us. We find strength for hard days, courage for uncertain moments, and peace that steadies our hearts when life feels overwhelming.
What Does It Mean to “Know” God?
Knowing God is about much more than knowing facts about Him. It is about walking with Him in a real and personal way. It means bringing Him your joys, your questions, your worries, and your hopes. It means learning to trust His heart, listening to His voice through Scripture, and letting His love shape the way you live. The more you know God personally, the more your faith becomes something living and real, not just something you have heard about.
Knowing God Gives You Strength
Life can feel heavy sometimes. We all go through seasons of disappointment, fear, grief, and uncertainty. But when you know God, you are reminded that you do not have to carry those burdens by yourself. His presence becomes a quiet strength beneath you. Even when you feel tired or unsure, He gives you grace to keep going. Knowing God does not remove every hardship, but it does give you a steady place to stand when life feels shaky.
Knowing God Gives Your Life Purpose
When you grow close to God, you start to see your life through a different lens. You begin to realize that your days matter, your choices matter, and your life has meaning in His hands. Purpose is not always found in big, dramatic moments. Very often, it is found in simple faithfulness—in loving people well, serving with kindness, making wise decisions, and honoring God in the ordinary parts of life. A deep relationship with God helps you live with intention and hope instead of feeling lost or aimless.
What Are “Great Exploits”?
When Daniel speaks of “great exploits,” it can sound like something far beyond everyday life. But often, the most meaningful acts of faith are the quiet ones. Choosing forgiveness when you have been deeply hurt, holding on to truth when it would be easier to stay silent, caring for someone in pain, or remaining faithful during a long and difficult season—these are powerful things in God’s eyes. When you know Him deeply, your life can become a source of comfort, strength, and hope to the people around you.
Knowing God Brings Peace
One of the sweetest gifts of knowing God is the peace He gives. It does not mean life suddenly becomes easy or painless. It means that in the middle of uncertainty, your heart can rest in the truth that God is near and He is faithful. His peace has a way of quieting fear, calming anxious thoughts, and reminding you that you are held in His care. When your soul is anchored in Him, you can find rest even in seasons that do not make sense.
How to Grow in Knowing God
Growing closer to God often begins in simple ways. Talk to Him honestly in prayer, just as you are. Spend time in His Word, not only to learn, but to let your heart be refreshed and guided. Bring Him your fears, your disappointments, your gratitude, and your desires. Worship Him in both joyful seasons and difficult ones. Stay connected to people who will encourage your faith. Little by little, these quiet habits open your heart more deeply to God’s presence and help you know Him in a more personal way.
The Bottom Line
The people who know their God are not perfect or extraordinary in the world’s eyes. They are simply people who have learned to lean on Him, trust Him, and stay close to Him. And in that relationship, they find strength for the journey, courage for the hard places, purpose for each day, and peace for every season. No matter where you are in your walk with God, you can always grow deeper. And as you do, you may discover that His presence gently transforms not only your heart, but also the way you love, live, and bless others.
Personal Reflection
As I reflect on this truth, I am reminded how easy it is to drift into trying to handle life in my own strength. There are days when I feel weary, uncertain, or distracted, and in those moments I can forget that what I need most is not more control, but a deeper closeness with God. This passage encourages me to slow down, draw near to Him, and trust that His presence is enough for whatever I am facing. It also reminds me that a life of faith is not measured only by big moments, but by quiet daily steps of trust, prayer, obedience, and love. My hope is to keep growing in that kind of relationship with God, so that His strength, peace, and purpose become more visible in the way I live each day.
Minister A Francine Green, May 2026