Daniel 10 opens with Daniel mourning, fasting, and praying for three weeks. He doesn’t know why the answer is delayed. But then a messenger appears — shining with glory — and explains that from the first day Daniel prayed, his words were heard. The delay wasn’t because God ignored him. It was because of conflict in the unseen spiritual world (10:12–13).

This chapter peels back the curtain: what we see on earth is shaped by battles we cannot see. Paul echoes this in Ephesians 6:12: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

That may sound intimidating — but notice how God responds to Daniel. The angel says, “Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed… be strong now; be strong” (10:19). Daniel is given strength to stand, not because he’s mighty, but because God strengthens him. Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” That’s what Daniel experiences firsthand.

It’s worth asking: where do you feel worn down right now? Maybe it’s in prayer, where answers seem delayed. Maybe in relationships, where conflict drains you. Maybe in your own heart, where faith feels like a struggle. Daniel 10 reminds us that delays don’t mean God is absent. Sometimes the waiting is part of a larger battle we cannot see.

And the way we stand firm isn’t by our own power. It’s through prayer, dependence, and God’s strength at work in us. Ephesians 6:18 calls us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Daniel models that for us — staying faithful in prayer even when he doesn’t yet see the outcome.

"Lord, You are mighty, and nothing escapes Your sight. When I pray, I don’t always understand why answers take so long, or why silence feels so heavy. I admit I get weary waiting. I wonder if You hear me, or if anything is happening at all. Forgive me for doubting Your goodness when the waiting stretches on. But just like Daniel, remind me that from the very first prayer, You hear. Remind me that battles are being fought in ways I cannot see, and that delays are not denials. Give me strength when I feel weak. Help me to stand when I’d rather sit down. And fill me with courage when fear feels close. Thank You for the ways You strengthen me through Your Spirit, through Your Word, and through Your people. Thank You that even when I don’t see it, You are moving. Teach me to keep praying, keep trusting, and keep holding on to You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."