Do not be afraid, Daniel. From the very first day you decided to seek understanding and humble yourself before your God, your prayer was heard, and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for twenty-one days. ( Daniel 10:12–13)
Dan 10:12-13
There is an important lesson here about prayer. This passage shows that Satan and his evil hosts can directly oppose and delay answers to prayer. But Creator does set the limits beyond which no evil power can go.
Daniel fasted and prayed for twenty-one days and went through deep struggle in prayer. Nothing in the story suggests this happened because Daniel was unrighteous or because he prayed the wrong way. Rather, it was because Satan specifically opposed him.
God sent a messenger to tell Daniel that his prayer had been answered from the moment he first prayed. But an evil spiritual being confronted the heavenly messenger and fought against him, delaying him. A spiritual battle was taking place in heaven, while Daniel on earth experienced deep anguish that reflected the conflict happening above.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, and wicked spiritual forces in heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)
Satan only delayed the answer for three weeks. Daniel did become extremely weak, and Satan would gladly have destroyed him if possible. Yet God did not allow Daniel to face more than he could withstand. Today as well, Creator does not allow us to face more than we are able to endure.
Many Christians experience spiritual opposition in prayer, but there is no need to lose heart. When prayers and faith continue to build up, they eventually break through like a flood. Not only does the answer come, but often additional blessings that are not expected come with it.
Hell attacks God’s people with all its power. The strongest and most faithful believers are often tested through the most intense trials and pressure, but Heaven will never abandon them. (adapted from W. L. Watkinson)
“Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom in all respects placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God. Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice. On the night of Jacob’s wrestling with the angel, the mighty wrestler had a revelation of the Infinite One. As a sinful, erring mortal, he trembled before the promise of God, while Heaven’s heart of love was yearning over the sinner. So also will those who seek for light and wisdom from God amid perplexities and discouragements be taught from Heaven.” (The Ministry of Healing,509)
“Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.” (Patriarchs and Prophets,203)
“There is need of prayer — most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer — such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after thee, O God. I have longed after thy precepts: I have longed for thy salvation. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. These are the expressions of wrestling prayer.” (Testimonies for the Church,vol 4,534)
“The earnest prayers offered in faith will be heard in heaven. It may not be in accordance with our expectations, but the answer will come; perhaps not as we first thought it would, but at the very time when we most need it. But oh, how often prayer is offered in a cold, lifeless, spiritless manner. Such prayers God does not accept. He delights in prayer that is earnest, importunate. Jacob wrestled all night in prayer for a blessing, and he obtained the victory.” (Signs of the Times, November 18, 1889)
“The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger — a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded.” (The Great Controversy,621)
“It is God’s purpose to carry forward His work in correct lines, in ways that will advance His glory. But Satan is ever trying to counter work God’s purpose. Only by humbling themselves before God can God’s servants advance His work. Never are they to depend on their own efforts or on outward display for success.” {4BC 1173.3}
