When answers don’t come
Read: Daniel 10
In Daniel chapter ten, Daniel receives another revelation from
God. This happened at the end of a three
week prayer and fasting time. Scripture
tells us that from the first day that Daniel set his heart to understand and
humble himself before the Lord, his words were heard but the prince of Persia
fought against the angelic messenger for twenty-one days (vs. 12-13). This passage can be difficult to understand
but enough is given to us to lead us to believe that the angels in heaven are
deeply interested in our prayers and are sent to tell us the answers to our
prayers. Further, it is clear that there
are unseen dark forces that are operating to hinder the answers to our
prayers. Who the prince of Persia was is
not divulged but enough is revealed to know that there is a contest in the
unseen realm between the spirits sent to minister to us and to bring us answers
to prayer and the devil and his evil spirits who seek to defeat these good
spirits. The entire time that this
spiritual battle was occurring, Daniel was praying and fasting. To Daniel, it may have seemed that his answer
was not coming, but he kept praying and fasting, unaware of the spiritual
battle that was taking place. It took time, effort, perseverance and there were
delays, but he did not give up. Failure
to receive an answer to prayer is no evidence that God does not hear
prayer. “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine
heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14, KJV).
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
- What are some of the key truths that the Holy Spirit is showing you from today’s passage? Reread the passage two or three more times, asking the Lord to reveal more to you.
- What are some things that you have been praying about for a long time yet don’t seem to have an answer? Take some time to listen in prayer about each one of those things, ask the Lord to reveal something to give you hope.
- Thank the Lord for hearing the prayer of His children, that He strengthens us and gives us hope.
