(NOTE: This Continues A Series Of Posts On Daniel’s Life)

-Peeling Back The Curtain!

On rare occasions God pulls back the curtain that divides the “seen” from the “unseen”! This post is about spiritual warfare; and, specifically how the prophet Daniel responded to it! If you’re unaware of how prayer works, you might become discouraged with the “turn around time.” You might talk to God about something; and, because you don’t get an answer immediately, you might conclude that He’s not listening to you! That would be a mistake on your part!

-Unseen Spiritual Forces!

In the 10th chapter of Daniel’s book, in the Bible, we’re introduced to the concept that there are forces at work that we’re unable to see because they are “spiritual”! Here’s what the Apostle Paul wrote the Church of Ephesus about these “spiritual” forces: “Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12). There are spiritual forces of evil at work in the “heavens”; but, we can’t see them because they are spiritual, not flesh! So, if we’re aware that there is a battle going on behind that “curtain” that divides our world from the spiritual world, we’ll adjust our focus! Again, the Apostle Paul said, “So we do not focus on what is seen; but, on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18).

-Don’t Focus On What You See!

So, a Biblical response to life’s struggles is to focus not on the seen; but, the unseen! That’s how Daniel responded! Our challenge is to let God’s Spirit pull back that curtain & give you a glimpse—through the Scriptures—into the reality of the spirit world! And, the reality that the spirit world impacts our world! That there is a spiritual warfare behind all of life’s struggles! And, Daniel shows us some things about this spirit world; and, how we ought to respond! Just pick up your Bible; and, read the 10th chapter of Daniel. Pay close attention to the words the angel speaks to Daniel in v.12.  He tells him that God heard his prayers from the very beginning; and, he was the answer!

-Your Prayers Were Heard!

“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers.” (v.12)  Though time had passed—perhaps 3 full weeks (v.12)—God actually HEARD Daniel’s prayer from the FIRST DAY he had begun to pray! In v.11 the angel told Daniel, “…I have been sent to you…”; and, v.12 “…I have come BECAUSE of YOUR PRAYERS…” I hope that encourages you! It does me! It might seem as though your prayers are just bouncing off the ceiling! That’s what the enemy wants you to believe! Don’t listen to his lies! God hears our prayers the moment they’re formed in our heart & He’s sending help! But, as we’ll see, there are reasons the “answers” to our prayers may be delayed! Find out next time!