Reading through the last three chapters of Daniel, the thought that stood out was the reality of an unseen world, particularly a spiritual world where battles often rage outside of our view.
Daniel was given a peek into these things, for he was a part of this battle. He was participating in this realm of spiritual warfare through prayer and fasting. The Bible says an unusual man appeared to him (Daniel 10:2–6) and spoke. Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” (Daniel 10:12–14, ESV) Daniel’s prayer and fasting initiated battles in this unseen world.
This reminds me of a passage in the New Testament that speaks to this same reality for us as believers. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:11–12, NLT)
Umm…wow! Yes, this is a reality. We are engaged in a battle. Our weakness is to misidentify the combatants in this battle as flesh and blood when the enemy pierces the veil from the unseen world into ours. People are not the enemy, but the enemy often works through them. However, we can withstand our enemy in many ways (Ephesians 6:13–17), and by prayer, we, too, pierce this veil into the unseen world from ours. Notice what Paul says…Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:18, NLT)
Believers, our prayers are an act of warfare in the unseen realm, initiating battles between Heaven’s armies and the prince of darkness. May we not underestimate prayer’s power, necessity, duty, and victory! Are you a praying believer?
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Daniel 10-12.