Have you ever prayed for something but given up hope of it happening because your answer didn’t come right away? Such was the case for Daniel, who as we learned yesterday, was placed in a position of authority and influence in Babylon. As the years went by and Babylon was captured by Persia, the prophet lived through two brutal wars, lost friends, and saw homes and cities destroyed. He himself, however, survived to be an old man and was honored and revered by society. At the age of 84, he had yet another vision of a great war, this one more bloody and disturbing than ever. Fiercely wanting to know what it meant, he cried out to God for understanding, but this time, his answer didn’t come right away. Greatly troubled in his spirit, he went into mourning — he put on sackcloth, fasted and chose not to bathe for 24 days. Talk about a protest! After three weeks, his answer finally came, and it was delivered by an angel in a manner that literally knocked Daniel off of his feet. 

My friend, I share this story with you to encourage you not to give up hope when your prayers aren’t answered as swiftly as you want them to be. Protest is fine as long as you exercise patience in the midst of it and choose not to lose heart. It’s okay to ask the Lord questions, but victory comes when you deliberately trust Him. Remember that God’s delays are not His denials and just because you don’t receive an immediate or clear response doesn’t mean that the answer hasn’t been dispatched. Your Savior is all-knowing and faithful, and He delights in listening and responding to your prayers!