Delayed Prayers Can Still Be Answered

O. T. #2011  "Delayed Prayers Can Still Be Answered"

August 26, 2021

Daniel 10-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Did you know that there may be a reason your prayer is not answered yet? There may be a spiritual warfare going on in the invisible world preventing it, as in Daniel's case. Don't give up or give in, beloved one. Our God hears our prayers.

This is Daniel's final vision from God. Prior to it, King Cyrus had allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the Temple for worshiping God. Daniel remained in Babylon, for he was about 84 years old at this time. He may have been too old to make the many months journey, or his government duties may have kept him there, or God may have told him to stay behind to complete the wok he was called to do. The reason does not really matter in the scope of things.

The work in Jerusalem had been halted, so Daniel was praying, fasting, and mourning for three weeks. His answer was delayed during that time. Daniel was given insight into the great spiritual battle between God's people and those who want to destroy them. (Satan did not want restoration in Jerusalem, nor did he want God to be worshiped there, nor lives changed. This is my conclusion as to why the events happened in chapter 10.))

Why was Daniel's prayer delayed? What happened in the spirit realm?

• An incredible-looking angel who appeared in human form in Daniel's vision, as well as Daniel being alone. (verse 7)
• Some believe it was the majestic pre-incarnate appearance of Christ with the description given.
• Others say it was the messenger/angel Gabriel since Archangel Michael was sent to help him successfully battle the demon assigned as prince of Persia. (He was one of Satan's principalities and powers there.) (verses 13,21)
• Daniel had no strength and breath to converse in his vision, so the messenger touched Daniel and gave him strength. (verse 19)
• After the vision, this one would return to fight the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece. (Michael was assigned as the prince for Israel.) ( verses 20, 21)

LET IT GLOW

What can we learn from this chapter?

Charles Swindoll directs us in his study guide, Daniel, with 5 principles of prayer:

1. Believers' prayers are immediately heard by God. However, we will not always receive prompt replies to our petitions.
2. Demonic forces can delay answers to prayer. Demonic agents attempt to thwart God's activity. They are given certain limited powers. God will not allow the believer to be tested beyond his limit. (1 Cor. 10:13)
3. Wrestling in prayer is exhausting work. Daniel was speechless, felt exhausted physically, engaging in spiritual warfare on his knees. Yet, it had advanced God's cause on earth. Fatigue is a small price to pay for curbing evil and furthering good.
4. Following wearisome times of prayer, strength returns in extra measures. Angels are ministering spirits who are sent by God to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.
5. Overcoming demonic forces is not a once-and=for-all matter. The angel had to return to the fight after explaining the vision to Daniel.

The conflict between God and Satan is still being fought today. Christ's death on the cross has ensured Satan's defeat, but it has not yet ended the war. (Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 12-13, 19:19-20:10)

Christians have God's promise that the ultimate victory over satanic powers is our because greater is He who is in (us) than he who is in the world. (1John 4:4)

 

LET IT GO

Keep praying and believing in God's work, answers, victory.

Nothing is mightier than our Almighty God, El Sahaddiah.

Father, please heal those hurting, give peace to those troubled, and strengthen us who are weak.

Thank You that You hear our prayers.

Give us patience when our prayers are hindered or delayed by unseen obstacles.

Grow our faith as we expect Your answer at the right time.

Glory to God in the Highest.