Have you ever prayed for guidance or strength, only to feel like the answer is delayed?
In Daniel 10, we see a powerful reminder that even in times of waiting, God hears our prayers and is at work behind the scenes.
Key Verse: “Then he said to me, ‘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.’” – Daniel 10:12 (ESV)
Background Context: Daniel 10 opens with a vision that Daniel receives in the third year of King Cyrus. He has been mourning and fasting for three weeks, seeking understanding and strength during a time of great distress for his people. As Daniel prays, an angelic being comes to him with a message of encouragement and revelation. The chapter gives us a glimpse into the spiritual realities behind the scenes of human history and reminds us that God is actively involved, even when we cannot see His hand at work immediately.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
Daniel Is Terrified by a Vision
1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.
2In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. 3I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed. 4On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. 6His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult. 7Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves. 8So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength. 9But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.
Daniel Comforted
10Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14“Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”
15When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. 16And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength. 17“For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.”
18Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. 19He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20Then he said, “Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. 21“However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.
Reflection on Daniel 10:
- The Power of Persistent Prayer: Daniel’s deep distress leads him to a prolonged time of fasting and prayer, seeking wisdom and understanding from God (Daniel 10:2-3). Despite fasting for three weeks, Daniel does not receive an immediate response. Yet, he remains faithful in prayer. This teaches us the value of persistence in prayer, even when we don’t see an immediate answer. Just as Daniel continued to seek God during a time of waiting, we are encouraged to keep pressing into God through prayer, trusting that He hears us.
- God Hears Our Prayers: When the angelic being appears to Daniel, he reassures him that his prayers were heard from the moment he began to seek understanding and humble himself before God (Daniel 10:12). This is a powerful reminder that God hears us the very moment we call out to Him, even if the answer seems delayed. Daniel had to wait for the response, but his prayer was heard right away. For us, this serves as encouragement not to lose heart when we don’t see immediate results. God hears our prayers, and He is working even when we cannot see it.
- Spiritual Battles Behind the Scenes: The angel tells Daniel that the reason for the delayed response was due to a spiritual battle taking place (Daniel 10:13). The “prince of the kingdom of Persia” resisted the angel for 21 days until the archangel Michael came to assist. This glimpse into the spiritual realm reminds us that there are unseen forces at work, both for and against God’s purposes. When we face delays or challenges, it is important to remember that spiritual battles may be unfolding beyond what we can see. Yet, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s will ultimately prevails.
- Strength in the Presence of God: Daniel is overwhelmed by the vision and the presence of the angelic being, to the point that he is physically weak and trembling (Daniel 10:8-9). But the angelic being touches him and strengthens him, telling him to stand up and not be afraid (Daniel 10:10-11). This moment reveals the power of God’s presence to strengthen us when we feel weak. In times of distress, when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, God comes alongside us, touches us, and provides the strength we need to continue.
- Fear Not and Be Strong: Twice in this chapter, Daniel is told not to fear and to be strong (Daniel 10:12, 19). These words are not only for Daniel but for all of us who face trials and uncertainties. When we are in seasons of waiting or battling unseen spiritual forces, God’s message remains the same: Do not fear. Be strong in the Lord. Our strength does not come from our own abilities, but from the God who hears our prayers and fights for us.
Summary Key Points:
- Persistent Prayer in Times of Waiting: Like Daniel, we are called to remain faithful in prayer, even when answers are delayed. God hears us from the moment we call out to Him.
- God’s Immediate Attention: While we may experience delays, God hears and responds to our prayers immediately. His timing is perfect, even when we do not understand it.
- Spiritual Realities Behind the Scenes: There are spiritual battles taking place that we cannot see, but we can trust that God is in control and that His purposes will prevail.
- God Strengthens the Weak: When we feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, God comes to us with the strength we need to carry on. His presence gives us courage and peace.
- Do Not Fear, Be Strong: In times of difficulty or spiritual battle, God calls us to let go of fear and trust in His strength, knowing that He is with us and working for our good.
Application: Reflect on the times when you have felt like your prayers were not being answered. Are you remaining persistent in seeking God, trusting that He hears you? Consider the spiritual realities that may be affecting the situations you face—are you trusting that God is at work, even when you can’t see it? Take time to seek God’s strength today, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. Remember that God comes to strengthen the weak, and He invites you to release your fears and trust in His perfect timing.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Daniel, who persisted in prayer even when the answers seemed delayed. Help us to remain faithful in seeking You, knowing that You hear us from the moment we call out to You. Strengthen us when we feel weak, and remind us that there are spiritual realities at work that we may not see, but You are in control. Give us the courage to let go of fear and the strength to trust in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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