21 Days of Prayer Encounter at COS Day 12
I Heard You The First Time
“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 could not 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 answers 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.
Written by H. A. Ironside from the book Magnificent Prayer
Prayer Focus: Has it occurred to you that the answer for which you continue to pray may already be on its way? God heard you the first time you prayed! Don’t be discouraged today but be encouraged that God is faithful and He always hears us when we pray. Today, don’t ask God. Thank Him for the answer that’s already on the way! Many of us are familiar with the song, “This Is How I Fight My Battles.” Change the words a bit and sing to God all day today, “This Is How YOU Fight My Battles!” “This Is How YOU Fight My Battles!”
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Bill Rieser
Encounter Pastor