“Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words”— Dan. 10:12.
A GREAT mystery is unfolded here in regard to prayer. Daniel had been praying “three full weeks” about a certain matter, and when, finally, the answer came, he was told that at the beginning of his supplication God had heard, but an angel from heaven had been twenty-one days fighting his way through the evil hosts of Satan in order to reach him. The prince of the kingdom of Persia referred to in vs. 13 was one of these wicked spirits evidently seeking to hinder God’s plan. This should throw light on many delayed answers. God has not been indifferent, but a conflict is going on in the heavenlies (Eph. 6:12), because of which there seems to be delay, but God’s purpose is sure, and His plan will be carried out.
“Unanswered yet? — The prayer your lips have pleaded
In agony of soul these many years?
Doth faith begin to fail, is hope departing.
And think you all in vain those falling tears?
Say not the Father hath not heard your prayer.
You shall have your desire sometime. somewhere.”
—Mrs. Ophelia C. Adams.