S) "13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia."
Daniel 10:13 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Daniel 10
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Daniel 10
O) This chapter starts by telling us Daniel had seen a disturbing vision, and had fasted and prayed for three weeks. At the end of that he was visited by an angel, who spoke these words to him, while telling him that he was coming to answer Daniel's prayers for understanding. This small verse, inserted into the larger message, reveals in itself some key principles to learn. The first thing to clarify, is that Michael (who is a known angel of God), is described to Daniel as a chief prince. So, it makes sense to see that the prince of the kingdom of Persia was probably not a human, either. It stands to reason that the kings of Persia mentioned are not men, either. This angel was describing his spiritual fight with the principalities "world forces of this darkness" (see Ephesians 6:12). Next, we cannot ignore the fact that Daniel was fasting and praying for the same time that this angel was fighting. Daniel was seeking an answer, this angel was assigned to give it. Daniel was fasting and praying, waiting for the answer. The angel was fighting to get away to Daniel. The length of time that he was fasting and the angel was fighting, would still seem to be circumstantial. The fact that they are the same amount of time, though, really isn't. This does not necessarily mean that Daniel's fast impacted the angel's fight (although it might've). It does, however, mean that there are delays in our prayers being answered, sometimes. We don't always know why, but there are always reasons. God knows why, and we must trust that He will give the answer we need, when we need it, according to His timing. The last point to remember from this, is that ours is not the only battle happening within God's kingdom. While it was important that Daniel receive the answer he sought, it was also important for these kings of Persia to be fought.
A) This all seems somewhat fantastic. It's hard to remember, in my material, pragmatic world, that there are spiritual battles being fought all the time. Not only spiritual aspects of human conflicts, but that angels fighting demons is a reality. This verse is a reminder that the spiritual struggle is real. When I am seeking an answer from God, praying and even fasting, sometimes it can seem that my wait is interminable. I need to remember that God has reasons for not answering, yet. Certainly, things are a little different for me, than for Daniel. Most importantly, I have the indwelling Holy Spirit, so it's not exactly like God would have to send an angel to tell me something. He can speak directly to me. Through the Word, through the Spirit, and through other Christians. God is never withstood, when He sets out to do. He is also not limited to location. If God ever wanted me to know something, I would know it (whether or not I believe it is another story, perhaps). Still, God would have plenty of personal reasons for me to not know something, or not know it yet. When I am waiting, I must remember to trust. Secondly, I must remember to keep praying for His will to be done in His kingdom as a whole, not just in my little section of it. There are many, many more fights going on around the globe, all of which deserve God's attention. Most of them are more deserving than the things I am praying, I am sure. I must remain humble and remember that my needs are relative and they are not exclusive.
P) Father, You are perfect in Your providence, timing, and judgments. Your will for me is the best plan it could ever be, including Your will to limit what I know, even if those limitations last a lifetime. I do want to know some things, though. I want to know if or when I should move to Montana. I want to know if I will be able to stay with my current employer. I have a lot of detailed questions about that possibility. Please answer, according to Your will. I am intentionally choosing to wait for Your answer, though. I am determined to trust in Your will. Today, I am also reminded that my needs are small, compared to many needs around Your kingdom. I am reminded that there are pressing needs that deserve Your attention, not that You are limited to location or effort. I know that You are sovereign and omnipotent. This is all the more reason that I ask for Your will to be done in my life, but also on earth and all across Your kingdom. I understand, at least in part, that there are fights happening that I will never know. I pray for Your will to be done in them all, according to Your perfect timing. All of this is to Your glory, alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment