Hang in there…three more chapters in the Book of Daniel! We all know that when God has something to tell us, He will give us the same message over and over until we get it. So Daniel has another vision. This time he was given further insight into the great spiritual battle between God’s people and those who want to destroy them. Also, there’s more detailed information on the future.
“When this vision came to me, I, Daniel had been mourning for three whole weeks. All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed.” Daniel 10: 2-3
Daniel was freaked out by what he saw. His strength left him, he grew deathly pale and very weak. He was terribly frightened, but God’s messenger’s touch restored him, and his words strengthened Daniel. Hearing this paints a picture of how God brings us healing when we’re hurt, peace when we’re troubled, and strength when we are weak. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever… so we can trust Him to comfort us just like he comforted Daniel. Then God’s messenger says something remarkable…it gives us a glimpse of what’s happening in the Spiritual realm…
“Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.” Daniel 10: 12-13
Wow… Although God answered Daniel’s prayer, a powerful evil spiritual being (the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia) detained His messenger for three weeks! However, Daniel faithfully continued praying and fasting, and God’s messenger eventually arrived, assisted by Michael, the archangel. This is good for us to know…it could be the reason our prayers aren’t answered too easily or come too quickly. Answers to our prayers may be hindered by unseen evil forces. It is always too soon to stop praying, even if months or years go by. Pray fervently and earnestly. Then expect God to answer at the right time.
Now I know you know… the waiting is the hardest part! Every now and then, I find myself asking, “How much longer?” Honestly, there are sometimes I feel like giving up… and this message of persevering always comes back to me. It’s as if God is telling me to “put my money where my mouth is!” Let’s pick up at the end of chapter 10, starting with verse 20…
“He replied, ‘Do you know why I have come? Soon I must return to fight against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia, and after that the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece will come. Meanwhile, I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth (No one helps me against these spirit princes except Michael, your spirit prince. I have been standing beside Michael to support and strengthen him since the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede).” Daniel 10: 20-21
The heavenly warfare was to be directed against Persia, and then Greece. Each of these nations was to have power over God’s people. Both Persia and Greece were represented by evil “spirit princes” or demons. Again, God is in control of the past, present, and future. This scripture tells us that He has all the events recorded in His “Book of Truth.”