Thousands of people across America have already voted in the upcoming election by taking advantage of the early voting, by an absentee ballot, or thru “mail-in voting” available in some states. The votes have not yet been counted, and the outcome of this Presidential Election may not be known for weeks after the actual election date of November 3. Christians must continue to pray and fast, asking for God to intervene in this crucial time in history, for His will to be accomplished.
Daniel was concerned about his people during a critical time in Jewish history. Some 50,000 Jews had returned to their homeland to rebuild their country and the temple. Daniel knew what a great undertaking it was, and he undoubtedly heard about the many obstacles the people were facing as they returned and started the work. Daniel believed God and completely trusted Him, but would those who returned to Israel trust God? Daniel’s concern led him to pray and fast for three weeks. Daniel’s deep trust in God enabled him to continue to pray, in spite of no answer. But God did hear his prayer, and on day 21 the answer came: “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. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia” (Daniel 10:12-13).
We don’t always get immediate answers to our prayers, and often give up before the answer comes. What would’ve happened if Daniel had given up praying on day 5, or day 15, or even day 20? Daniel had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. The king of Persia in this passage is none other than Satan, he too heard Daniel’s prayers and tried to intervene. A great battle ensued between the messenger and Satan for 21 days!
Don’t ever give up praying, God’s answers come according to His timing and that may span over a long period of time. God is always fighting for us, removing obstacles, and preparing the right path at the right time for us. There is a great warfare that wages in the spiritual realm, one in which Satan and his forces do everything possible to disrupt the will of God. Don’t be deterred, PRAY!
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
“For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you” (Deuteronomy 20:4).
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).