In this chapter Daniel has another vision while mourning / praying and abstaining from certain indulgences (not true fasting, but similar).
“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth… as I was standing on the bank of the great river (that is, the Tigris) I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold… And he said to me, ‘O Daniel, man greatly loved… I have been sent to you… 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…’ ” (v2-5, 11-13 abr)
Daniel is praying deeply and consistently for 21 consecutive days before an angel can fight his way to him. This angel was apparently dispatched immediately, though he was delayed by a powerful demonic force (“the prince of the kingdom of Persia”) and Michael, one of God’s chief angels had to help the messenger reach Daniel.
The first, and most important thing I learned through this passage is to remain consistent and patient in prayer. It’s easy to become discouraged if we don’t receive an immediate answer from God, however, God may want us to learn how to pray consistently, so He allows delays to teach us such faithfulness.
My second takeaway is prayer has power, and there are literal wars in the spiritual realms waged between God’s angels and Satan’s demons. Because we have eternal spirits, we are part of this war, whether we know it or not. We need to pray for salvation and protection for our neighbors, so they hopefully don’t become spiritual casualties.
Father God, our Sovereign Lord and Compassionate King, we praise Your awesome name and acknowledge Your mighty deeds. Father thank you for answering our prayers, and for teaching us patience / perseverance. Thank you for protecting our spirits from the forces of evil, and we pray this blessing of protection upon our neighbors. Please teach them Your ways, and open their hearts to Your presence, so they may become prayer warriors as well. Please help us to be prepared with Your armor, and be humble soldiers / servants for Christ’s kingdom, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training