It Happened in PrayerSample

If anybody could get a prayer through, it would be Daniel. Throughout Daniel’s account, we see several times where he sought the Lord and received an answer. Daniel interpreted dreams and saved his people in Daniel 2 and Daniel 4. Prayer got Daniel thrown in the lion’s den in Daniel 6, and in Daniel 9, we see how quickly Daniel’s prayers could be answered. However, one event in Daniel 10 shows us an interesting aspect of prayer.

In Daniel 10, we see Daniel have an encounter in which he is informed that God heard him on the first day he sought the Lord. However, the prince of the kingdom of Persia held the messenger up for 21 days. Why would I use this example to explain God answering prayers? The messenger explains to Daniel that the answer was en route on day 1 of Daniel seeking the Lord. Therefore, we know, in this case, that it wasn’t God who delayed the answer but the enemy.

Often, we are frustrated about not receiving what we deem to be a timely answer to our prayers. However, we do have to acknowledge that demonic forces are attempting to thwart God’s plan for our lives. Ephesians 6:12 tells us we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, rulers, and wickedness in high places. Therefore, we have to put on the whole armor of God to withstand the enemy’s tactics.

I encourage you that the answer has been released when you pray, but we must also pray against the enemy and his schemes. Remember that patience/longsuffering are also a fruit of the spirit. We cannot allow the enemy to creep into our heads with thoughts that God has forgotten us because we have not received an answer in our timeline. Psalm 84:11 tells us that God will not withhold a good thing from those who walk uprightly. We have to remember to believe in the God to whom we pray. He is a good Father; He answers our prayers, and no devil in hell can stop us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that you reign supreme and that no tactic from the enemy will prevail. Thank you for being my Father who cares about me and desires to answer my prayers. In Jesus name, amen.