June 18, 2025

PERSEVERE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way… Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”

Daniel 10:12-14 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Daniel had been fasting and praying for three weeks when a divine messenger finally appeared. This heavenly being—possibly an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ—brought both comfort and clarity. What Daniel didn’t know during those 21 days of silence was that a spiritual battle had been raging in the unseen realm.

This passage teaches us two vital lessons about prayer:

1. Spiritual Warfare Precedes Revelation

The messenger tells Daniel that his prayer was heard on the first day—but a demonic power, the “spirit prince of Persia,” resisted him. Michael the archangel had to intervene for the message to get through.

This reminds us of Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:12:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities… in the heavenly realms.”

Prayer is not a passive act—it is spiritual warfare. Often, before we see answers in the natural, we must fight battles in the spiritual. That breakthrough we’re waiting on might already be dispatched, but it’s being resisted in realms we cannot see. Our prayers push back the darkness and release God’s purposes on earth.

2. Persevering Prayer Releases Revelation

Daniel didn’t stop after a day or two of unanswered prayer—he kept going. And on the 21st day, the answer came.

Persevering prayer isn’t about overcoming God’s reluctance—it’s about aligning with God’s will and standing firm in faith until heaven breaks through.

Author William Thrasher once wrote:

“Perseverance in prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance but rather laying hold of God’s willingness.”

Jesus taught us to “always pray and never give up” (Luke 18:1). Too many people want a word from God without seeking the God of the Word. Some even look to others to hear from God for them, as if spiritual shortcuts will produce spiritual strength. But God invites you into the process—because it’s not just about the answer; it’s about relationship.

Final Thought:

You may be in day 1, day 10, or day 20 of your own spiritual battle—but don’t stop praying. Don’t quit in the waiting. Just because you can’t see what’s happening doesn’t mean nothing is happening. Heaven is moving. Angels are fighting. Answers are coming.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, teach me to persevere in prayer. Help me to fight in the spirit and not lose heart when answers delay. Train me to listen, to wait, and to trust. I want to know Your will—and I’m willing to seek You until I hear it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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