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. 10:12, 13
Footnote: Although God sent a messenger to Daniel, a
powerful spiritual being detained the messenger for three weeks. Daniel
faithfully continued praying and fasting, and God's messenger eventually arrived
assisted by Michael, the archangel. Answers to our prayers may be hindered by
unseen obstacles. Don't expect God's answers to come too easily or too
quickly. Prayer may be challenged by evil forces, so pray fervently and pray
earnestly. Then expect God to answer at the right time.
As for you, go your way till the end. You will
rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted
inheritance. 12:13
Footnote: Daniel stands tall in the gallery of God's
remarkable servants. Born of royal heritage, yet taken into captivity when only
a teenager, Daniel determined to remain faithful to God in the land of his
captivity. Even at great personal cost, Daniel spent his entire lifetime
advising his captors with unusual wisdom. God chose him as his servant to
record some of the events of the captivity and some significant events
concerning the future. As an old man, having been faithful to God throughout
his years, Daniel was assured by God that he would rise from the dead and
receive his portion in God's eternal kingdom. Faithfulness
to God has a rich reward, not necessarily in this life, but most certainly in
the life to come.
Keep reading -- 93 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV
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