Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be with you!
Yesterday, I came across
a biblical passage, Daniel 10:10-14, that deeply moved me. As I took time to
read and meditate on it, I found it to be an eye-opener. The truth it conveys
is not only relevant but also urgent for our world today. What is often called
“spiritual battle” is real. Our rationalized society may dismiss it as
superstition, yet the battle rages on even as I write these words.
How often do we feel
that our prayers go unanswered? How often do we wonder
why God seems silent in the face of our struggles? Today, I invite you to
reflect on this fascinating passage in the Book of Daniel; it will help us unveil the
unseen battles taking place around us, the power of persistent prayer, and the
ultimate victory of God’s will.
Daniel, a man of deep
faith, was in exile in Perse (the present Iran). His people, the Israelites,
remained under foreign rule, and his heart was burdened for their future. For
three weeks, Daniel mourned, fasted, and prayed. Then, a heavenly messenger
appeared to him with a revelation. But here’s the astonishing part: the angel
told Daniel that his prayers had been heard from the very first day, but the
answer had been delayed due to a spiritual battle.
This passage reminds us
that there is more to life than what we see. Earthly events are often influenced by unseen
spiritual forces. So, it is important to know that our prayers play a vital
role in this cosmic struggle. Let’s explore three key lessons from this text.
The Reality of Spiritual
Warfare
The angel told Daniel, “The
prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for twenty-one days” (Daniel
10:13). Who is this “prince of Persia”? This is not a human ruler but a
spiritual entity, a demonic force exerting influence over the Persian Empire.
This reveals a profound
truth: behind the scenes of human history, a spiritual battle is raging. The
Apostle Paul affirms this in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not
against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms.”
What does this mean for
us today? It means that conflicts, injustices, and struggles in our
world are not merely the result of human decisions, there are unseen spiritual
forces at work. They have infiltrated every sector of the society. We need to
ask God to open the eyes of our heart to see, understand and act. But here is the good news: God is still in
control, and His angels are fighting on our behalf.
The Power of Persistent
Prayer
Daniel prayed for 21
days without seeing an immediate answer. Yet, the angel assured him, “Since
the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble
yourself before your God, your words were heard” (Daniel 10:12).
This teaches us two crucial lessons about prayer:
God hears us immediately –
Even when we don’t see results, our prayers are not ignored. God listens to
every cry of His children.
Perseverance matters: Daniel
did not stop praying after a day or a week. He remained steadfast, and his
persistence paved the way for divine intervention.
Some Christians often
expect instant results. But prayer is not a microwave, it’s sometimes a slow
cooker. It requires patience, persistence, and faith. When we pray, we partner
with God in His work, and our prayers can break through spiritual barriers. It
is also important to maintain a righteous life while praying so that the enemy
will have no legal authority over our life.
The Ultimate Victory of
God’s Will
Despite opposition from
the “prince of Persia,” an angel eventually arrived with God’s message.
Why? Because Michael, the archangel, stepped in to help. This reminds us that
no matter how fierce the battle, God’s will cannot be thwarted. And this is
what satan, fallen angels and their collaborators do not want to accept. They
continue to deceive so many souls.
The angel’s message to
Daniel was about the future, a reminder that God’s plans extend far beyond our
present circumstances. He sees the big picture, and His purposes
will ultimately prevail. As Romans 8:28 assures us: “And we know that in all
things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called
according to His purpose.”
Our world is filled with
uncertainty. Let us grasp this message of hope: God is sovereign, and His
kingdom will triumph. Our prayers, our faithfulness, and our trust in Him are
part of that victory.
So, how does this apply to our lives? Here are three
practical takeaways:
Be Aware of the Unseen: Let
us recognize that life has a spiritual dimension. When you face challenges,
remember that there may be more happening than meets the eye. Put on the full
armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) and stand firm in faith.
Persist in Prayer: Let
us not give up when answers seem delayed. Keep praying, keep seeking, and keep
trusting. Your prayers are powerful and effective (James 5:16).
Trust in God’s
Sovereignty: No matter how chaotic, divided and confused the world
seems, God is in control. His plans will prevail, and His kingdom will come.
Live with hope and confidence in His promises.
Conclusion
Sisters and Brothers, Daniel’s
story reminds us that we are engaged in a great spiritual battle. Yet, our
victory is assured. Our prayers matter. Our faithfulness matters. No
matter how fierce the struggle, God's eternal will cannot be thwarted. In fact,
when we surrender everything to Him in faith and total trust, the enemy is
powerless to advance. They may rage and roar, but like dogs chained to a
pillar, they can do nothing but bark from a distance.
Let us pray with persistence, live with hope, and trust in
the God who sees the unseen and works all things for His glory.
May the Lord strengthen us to stand firm in faith, knowing
that He is with us in every battle and that His victory is assured.
Amen.
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