Then he continued, “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. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”Daniel 10:12-14 NIV
Prayer is, by far, one of the most important and influential activities we can engage in! As soon as Daniel began to pray his words were heard! God heard Daniel’s prayers and immediately dispatched an angel to bring him an answer! Far too often, we think of prayer as a passive activity, a go-to when there’s nothing else we can do, when in reality, prayer is the most aggressive action we can take in every situation! This angel had to battle demonic forces 21 days to bring Daniel the insight he prayed for, and he needed the help of Michael, the archangel to do so.
While we focus on the circumstances right in front of us, life on earth is not all that’s happening. The battle between good and evil, between angelic forces and demonic forces rages on in the spiritual realm. That’s why we have verses like these in the Bible.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV
Daniel had discovered a mighty weapon: Prayer! He was so convinced of it’s power that he would rather be fed to the lions than give it up!
“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.” So he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.” Daniel 10:19-21 NIV
The angel said to Daniel, “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” In other words, keep praying Daniel, keep praying! His prayers were making a difference! Could it be that the prayers Daniel was praying on earth were effecting the outcome of the battles being fought in the spiritual realm? Yes! Why else would Daniel have needed this angel visitation? He had prayed for understanding. He wanted insight into what was going to happen to his people and God sent the angel to give him the information he asked for. But why did he need to know? Daniel was an old man who was going to live out his days in Babylon, not someone who was in a position to play a role in Israel’s success… or was he? Daniel was on his knees! There is no position of greater influence!
“Do you know why I have come to you?,” the angel asked Daniel. Because soon I will return to fight against the demonic forces attempting to thwart God’s plan in Persia and Greece, and no one supports me against them except Michael. This warring angel broke free from the battle to give Daniel the insight he needed to support the battle in prayer! In essence he is saying, be strong Daniel, be strong! Do not stop praying! You are wrestling against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Let me give you the information you need to pray effectively so you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes!
Whatever situations you are praying about today, know this, prayer is the weapon God has given us that has divine power to demolish every stronghold! Satan fights to stop God’s plan in your life, in the lives of your children, your co-workers, your friends, your church, your city. He does not want the gospel going forth. He does not want your family to be saved or your church to be effective! There is all out war over these things, and you have a role to play in the battle! Be strong friend, be strong! Don’t stop praying!