Our enemy hates it when we pray and will do anything to stop it.
For instance, in Daniel 10, we find Daniel in mourning. He has just received a troubling revelation/vision and as a result, he enters into a time of deep fasting and prayer, hoping to hear from the God of Heaven.
Three weeks go by and Daniel is still wondering why God hasn’t answered.
And then all of a sudden an angel shows up and says, “Daniel you are very precious to God, so listen carefully what I have to say to you. Stand up, I have been sent to you”
And then the angel adds these startling words, “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.”
And it’s at this point that I’m sure Daniel must wondering, “Then what took you so long? I haven’t had a bath in like three weeks! I’ve been starving myself to get God’s attention! So, why has it taken you so long to come down and answer my prayer?”
And then the angel goes on to explain, (and I’m sure you already noticed this) that he had been locked up in hand to hand combat with the enemy, some sort of demon guardian where Daniel lived, to the point where he finally he had to call for backup. And the angel explains to Daniel that when backup arrived, he was able to finally find a way to get to him.
Isn’t that just wild?
Now, I’m sure if that happened to Daniel today, there would probably be some religious people who would advise him to have more faith.
But the reality was, and I think the text makes this perfectly clear, Daniel’s faith had nothing to do with the lack of a response. The enemy hates the work of God and will do whatever he can to stop it.
Your prayers are heard. God is listening.
And while there are lots of reasons your requests may not be answered the way you want them to be, I think it’s important for us to remember that we have a real enemy who hates us and will do everything in his power to interrupt our relationship with God.
So, keep talking to your Heavenly Father…no matter what!