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Day 280 Daniel 10:4 Now on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! 6 His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. 10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for, from the first day 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. 13 “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 “Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” People want immediate answers. They like waiting for nothing. When answers aren’t forthcoming, they get angry or give up. Daniel saw a vision and prayed for an explanation. While he waited, he fasted for twenty-one days, praying the entire time. At the end of twenty-one days, an angel appeared to him with the answer and an explanation for why it took so long to bring the answer. Many Christians give up when they don’t get answers to their prayers. They believe God doesn’t hear them or care about their situation. Those who persist in prayer without giving up, receive an answer though it may take many days or years. In this account, you see God sent the answer immediately. However, Satan delayed the answer by sending demons called the kings of Persia against the angel so that the angel needed Michael’s help to get the answer to Daniel. You don’t know what is happening in the heavenlies when you pray. Your answer is on the way. Satan hates it when God’s children pray and will do everything, he can to delay the answer reaching you. How long have you prayed for the salvation of your family members, friends, for a job, for healing, for any number of urgent requests that seem to go unanswered? God sent the answer. It hasn’t reached you yet. Your messenger is fighting Satan’s henchmen in the heavenlies with help from Michael. Don’t give up. Wait for it. You will receive your answer. Let’s pray: Father, I know You hear me when I pray. Help me to wait for the answer, knowing my requests are important to You. I rebuke Satan and his efforts in delaying the answer from reaching me. Give me patience and faith as I wait for the answers to my prayers. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 21 March 2022 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay.