TEXT: Daniel 10:10-13, 18 (Read later)
INTRO: Have you ever had to pray and wait? I suppose this is one of life’s most difficult tasks. You see, we live in an "instant society". We have: Instant Cameras; Instant Potatoes; Instant Credit
We come QUICKLY to the drive up window, wanting QUICK FOODS, and demand QUICK SERVICE! Someone has said:
This is the age of the half-read page
And the quick bash, and the mad dash
The bright night with the nerves tight
The plane hop with the brief stop
The lamp tan in a short span
The big shot in a good spot
And the brain strain & the heart pain
And the cat naps, ’til the spring snaps
And the fun’s done!!
How many people I have talked with who tell me they don’t have time to slow down -- yet they reach a point where they are slowed down either by a physical or emotional problem. We wonder why we are in such a state of confusion and turmoil, when the answer is that we violate the principles of God’s Word regarding rest!
Mankind has the propensity to endeavor to work out his own problems. Rather than "Pray and Wait" our life’s motto seems to be "Pray and Work", or in the case of some "Pray and Whine".
We often take a lack of immediate response from God as a sign that God is either not listening, or not caring. This, my dear friend is most definitely not the case! I want to address this subject this morning in a message entitled "Delayed, Yet Definite". Turn with me please to Daniel chapter 10 where we find a great example of a seeming delayed answer to prayer. I believe there are many dynamics in this story which may help us get a clearer understanding of prayer. We will begin reading with verse 10: "But a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. 11And I heard his voice -- "O Daniel, greatly beloved of God," he said, "stand up and listen carefully to what I have to say to you, for God has sent me to you." So I stood up, still trembling with fear. 12Then he said, "Don’t be frightened, Daniel, for your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day you began to fast before the Lord and pray for understanding; that very day I was sent here to you. 13But for twenty-one days the mighty Evil Spirit who overrules the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the top officers of the heavenly army, came to help me, so that I was able to break through these spirit rulers of Persia. 18Then the one who seemed to be a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. "God loves you very much," he said; "don’t be afraid! Calm yourself; be strong -- yes, strong!" Suddenly, as he spoke these words, I felt stronger ....."
Daniel, who’s name means "God is my judge" was a statesman in the court of heathen kings. Taken captive as a youth to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC, he spent the rest of his long life there as a governmental official and as a prophet of the true God.
Daniel is called a prophet by our Lord in Matthew 24:15, and his prophecies are of immense importance. The Book of Revelation is often referred to when dealing with "end time events". It is impossible, however to have a true understanding of what is to come without putting the book of Daniel alongside the book of Revelation. For the prophecies given Daniel are yet to be fulfilled.
We find in our text that Daniel had been given a series of visions regarding the end of the world as we know it. And, as is often the case the visions were not easily or readily understood. Therefore, Daniel began to fast and pray to the Lord regarding the significance of these visions. Eventually, God sent an angel to Daniel who said "I am here to tell you what is written in the ’Book of the Future’..." (v 20) But there was a waiting period between Daniel’s prayer and the answer. The passage tells us it was 21 long days. We find in this story:
I. GOD’S INCLINED EAR. (v 12)
Verse 12 states "Then he said, ’Don’t be frightened, Daniel, for your request has been heard in heaven ...."
I suppose one of the most wonderful things about our relationship with God is that He truly cares for His people! We find a beautiful image of this care in Psalms 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. "
Then in Psalms 18 we read 6"In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears."
One of our Adversary’s most formidable weapons is deceit. After all, he is referred to as the "father of liars" (John 8:44) He seeks to impugn the loving character of God. One tactic he employs is by telling the Christian that God is not really interested in the goings-on of his life. "Why pray, God is not really listening. And if He is, He doesn’t really care". If you have felt this way my friend, be assured that this lie has come hissing out of the depths of hell. God’s ear is inclined toward us. Not only does the lamb hear and recognize the voice of the Shepherd, the Shepherd hears and recognizes the voice of the lamb!
I once heard a story of a man named Bobby who would always begin his prayers by saying "Jesus, this is Bobby", then would proceed with his prayer. Bobby was committed to spending time with his Lord every day. And every day it was the same: "Jesus, this is Bobby". Then came the day when Bobby was taken gravely ill. He was rushed to the hospital. In his room, as Bobby lay in a semi-conscious state unable to pray, he looked up to see a man standing at the foot of his bed. The One standing there said "Bobby, this is Jesus". Friend, I want you to know that God hears the prayers of His people! And it still remains that "the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much!"
II. GOD’S OUTSTRETCHED HAND.
Not only does our text show us "God’s Inclined Ear", it also shows us "God’s Outstretched Hand." Listen to verse 12 again: "Don’t be frightened ... for your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day you began to fast before the Lord and pray for understanding. That very day I was sent here to meet you!"
My friends, may I tell you this morning that God not only hears us, He helps us! That is important for us to understand. It is one thing to hear, it is another to help. I want to return to two passages I read a moment ago. They are found in Psalms 40 and Psalms 18. Listen to them again: Psa 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD." And Psalms 18:6,9,16-17 "In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 9He bowed the heavens also, and came down:... 16He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me."
Not only does God hear, He acts. When we pray we can anticipate Him inclining His ear toward us, and also stretching out His arm to help deliver us. My friends, it might be delayed, but God help is definite!
We find that Daniel’s answer was delayed by the activity of demonic forces sent to disrupt the plan of God. Look at v 13 of our text: "... for twenty-one days the mighty Evil Spirit who overrules the kingdom of Persia blocked my way ..." I want you to get the picture. Daniel prayed, God heard; Angels were dispatched immediately. However there was a delay. But notice this delay was only temporary! God’s plan will always be accomplished. Verse 13 continues "Then Michael, one of the top officers of the heavenly army, came to help me, so that I was able to break through these spirit rulers of Persia". Listen to me friend: The adversary may delay the plan of God, but he will never defeat the plan of God!
I personally believe this angel speaking to Daniel was Gabriel. You see, in Daniel 9:20-21 we read "...while I was praying ...Gabriel ... flew swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice ..." And though the forces of the evil one were able to hinder Gabriel (notice: hinder, not destroy), all he had to do was call for a little help from Michael the Archangel. There was another war in the heavenlies and once again the enemies of God were defeated! Friend, if the adversary and his hosts have delayed the answer to your prayer, just hang on. Because if needs be God will send another angel to fight! Your answer may be delayed, yet it is definite! There’s a better day coming!! Victory is on the horizon! It seems I can almost hear the flutter of angels wings as they ascend from the throne room of God! God is victorious --- the adversary is defeated! God has inclined His ear, and outstretched His arm!! Wait on the Lord!
III. GOD’S ULTIMATE PLAN.
If there is anything of which I am sure, it is that God has an ultimate plan for our lives. Even when the answer seems to be delayed, it is for a purpose. I understand that not even the devils of hell can frustrate the will and plan of God. Why, then does He permit the delay? Why not simply render the opposing forces powerless? Why not set up a "hot line" from heaven to earth, whereby we can achieve instantaneous results. Now make no mistake about it, my friends. There are those times when prayer must be answered NOW. I’ve shared with you some of those circumstances in my own life. But why aren’t all prayers answered instantaneously.
Though it may be hard to believe, there are positive aspects to waiting. It causes us to mature in the faith. It brings patience. It will help develop confidence in God. Thank God He does not offer instantaneous answers to all prayers we pray. If He did, we would be in a mess. I wonder if you have ever prayed a prayer you really didn’t mean? I know I have!
What does Scripture have to say regarding waiting on the Lord?
Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psa 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
Prov 20:22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Lam 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
Hab 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Someone asked the question "If God knows what I have need of before I ever ask, why must I ask?" The response was "Because God knows what we need the most is time spent with Him in prayer!"
God’s ultimate plan for our life is that we wait patiently and confidently upon Him. We must be as Paul, when he wrote in Romans 4:21 "And being fully persuaded that, what he has promised, he is able also to perform." My question is that we will not call into question the integrity of God! He has promised it --- He will bring it to pass. It may be delayed, but it is definite!
CONCLUSION: So what is it I have endeavored to tell us this morning. Allow me to summarize:
1. God hears our prayers. Psa 34:15 "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry."
2. God acts upon our prayers. Psa 34:17 "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles"
3. Sometimes our prayers are hindered by the adversary. Eph 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
4. God has promised ultimate victory. Matt 16:18 "...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
5. Waiting is often in our best interests. Isa 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
One thing of which we can be sure --- the answer may be delayed, but it is definite!
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Richard Deem, Founder and President of Higher Ground Ministries has traveled extensively preaching in camp meetings, seminars, revivals and other special meetings. Having served as a pastor for over 20 years, he brings a rich perspective to ministry.
Richard is available to minister in special meetings. Please contact him at:
Higher Ground Ministries
PO Box 640605
Pike Road, Alabama 36064
E-mail: higherground@netscape.com
Phone: (334) 649-0011
Website: www.truth4today.com
