Two-minute read.
“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.”
Daniel 10:3
God answers.
Daniel, a servant of the Lord, entirely devoted to his heavenly Father, has a vision about a “great war” that would harm God’s people. So distressed by the revelation, Daniel immediately begins to fast and pray for his people, not eating anything but fruits and vegetables. Intense supplication and prayer brought forth an immediate answer from God, but Daniel didn’t receive it until three weeks later.
Standing by the Tigris River with his companions, an angel appeared to Daniel. Dressed in linen with a gold belt around his waist, Daniel’s friends couldn’t see the angel but sensed his presence, fleeing in terror. Daniel swooned when he heard the angel’s message, but one touch from the heavenly being restored him. Assuring Daniel of God’s love and concern for his people. Although hard to understand, the angel’s message eventually proved amazingly accurate.
“Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” Daniel 10:12-14
Check out what happened when Daniel began to pray, humbling himself before the Lord. God sent an immediate answer, but the Devil fought the delivery. For twenty-one days, the angel battled and only won when the archangel Michael came to help. Spiritual battles rage around us. Satan doesn’t want us receiving the answers to our prayers and will do anything to stop them, but he always loses.
God answers our prayers; sometimes, the Devil delays the response. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, submitting our will to His, God listens. Bending down to us, with love in His eyes, our Creator cares about us. Often, we lose heart because we don’t think our heavenly Father hears our prayers, but Daniel’s experience reminds us about the spiritual battle.
Whatever prayer you pray, wait expectantly for the answer. In due time, you’ll receive a response. God hears, and He always answers.
Journal Questions:
- How can I apply today’s devotion to my life?
- What answer seems delayed to you?
- How do you envision spiritual warfare?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for answering our prayers. As we wait for Your response, let us do so well. Please give us the tools we need to persevere in the waiting. Strengthen our hearts and minds as we place our faith in You. As we pursue You wholeheartedly, let others see Your light shining through us, encouraging them on their journey. In all things, we give You the glory. IJNIP. Amen
