Magnificent Prayer #104
Magnificent Prayer #104
Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
Daniel 10:12–13
What mystery is here! An angel was sent from the throne of God in immediate answer to the prophet’s prayer, but for 21 days he couldn’t reach Daniel! Who could believe this if it were not so plainly written in the Word of God?
For three weeks this angel-messenger had been in conflict with that particular “world-ruler of this darkness” who was evidently appointed by Satan to control, if possible, the king of Persia and prevent the carrying out of God’s plan.
The mystery deepens as we learn that Michael the archangel had to come to assist the first messenger, before the evil angel was defeated. May we not learn from this why answers to many of our prayers seem to be long delayed? May it not be that God answered at once, but there may be something to be settled, to us unseen, before the answer can reach us?
Let us not then be discouraged, nor accuse God of turning a deaf ear to our agonized cry. The answer may already be on the way, but Satan and his evil hosts are battling against it. But God is faithful, and in His due time He will see that the prayer we have made in accordance with His will is wonderfully answered to His praise and glory and to our eternal blessing.
H. A. IRONSIDE
Pray About It: Has it occurred to you that the answer for which you continue to pray may already be on its way? God has heard and attended to it. Don’t be discouraged by the delay. God is faithful. Keep watching expectantly.
Today, don’t ask God. Thank Him for the answer that’s already on the way. Whenever you think of that request, just say, “Thank You, God, that You’ve heard my prayer and that the answer is on the way!”
No breath of true prayer is lost. The longer it waits, the larger it becomes.
A. B. SIMPSON
From the book
