Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words.
— Daniel 10:12
DANIEL SOUGHT understanding from God, and to that end, he prayed for twenty-one days. Finally, a heavenly visitor informed Daniel that God had heard his prayers and had sent the messenger to bring the answers he had asked for.
However, as the messenger was coming to Daniel, he was caught up in a battle with the powers of darkness that controlled the nation of Persia. He fought for twenty-one days before Michael, one of the chief princes, came to his aid and freed him. Only then could he complete his mission.
A SPIRITUAL CONFLICT RAGES IN THE UNIVERSE AROUND US.
Whether you know it or not or whether you like it or not, you are in a battle right now. Strong forces are fighting for control of your mind. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can help you stand against the spiritual forces that seek your destruction.
Ephesians 6:12 explains the nature of the battle this way: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6 also describes the spiritual armor God has provided for your protection. Your job is to put that armor on and then to pray. The real fighting takes place on your knees—and that is also where the victory will be found.
Help us, Lord, to set aside every weight and sin that threatens to entangle us, that we might run this race for Your glory.
Amen.