Daniel (Greek) 10:12-21: a reflection

12Then he said to me, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I have come for your words’ sake. 13But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days.” 15When he had spoken these words to me, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute. 16Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “My lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows have overtaken me, and I retain no strength. 17For how can the servant of my lord talk with my lord? For as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me. There was no breath left in me.” 18Then one like the appearance of a man touched me again, and he strengthened me. 19He said, “Greatly beloved man, don’t be afraid. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, “Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me.” 20Then he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go out, behold, the prince of Greece will come. 21But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one who supports me against these except Michael, your prince.

Daniel, weak and overwhelmed after a vision, is met by a heavenly messenger with words of comfort and strength. Do not be afraid, Daniel, the messenger says; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come because of them. Daniel's prayer had been heard from the very first day, though the answer had been delayed, held up, the messenger explains, by unseen spiritual conflict. And the messenger strengthens the fainting Daniel: Greatly beloved, do not be afraid; peace be to you; be strong.

Notice two comforts here. First, that Daniel's prayer was heard from the first day he prayed, even though the answer was long in coming. The delay was not because God had not heard, or had ignored him; his words were heard immediately, and the answer was on its way, delayed by conflict Daniel could not see. And second, that the messenger addressed the fainting, fearful Daniel tenderly: greatly beloved, do not fear, and strengthened him.

Both comforts are for us. When our prayers seem unanswered, and the delay stretches on, we can conclude that God has not heard, or does not care. But Daniel's prayer was heard from the very first day; the delay was not neglect. Your prayers, too, are heard the moment you pray them, even when the answer is long in coming; the delay does not mean God has not heard. And when you are weary and afraid, hear the word spoken to Daniel as God's word to you: you are greatly beloved; do not fear; be strong. God hears your prayers from the first day, and he strengthens the fainting; take comfort that you are heard and beloved, even when the answer is delayed.

Lord, when Daniel was weak and overwhelmed, your messenger comforted him: from the first day you set your heart to understand and humble yourself, your words were heard; the answer had only been delayed by unseen conflict. And he strengthened the fainting Daniel tenderly: greatly beloved, do not be afraid; be strong. Give me both comforts. When my prayers seem unanswered, and the delay stretches on, I can conclude that you have not heard, or do not care. But Daniel's prayer was heard from the very first day; the delay was not neglect. Help me trust that my prayers, too, are heard the moment I pray them, even when the answer is long in coming; the delay does not mean you have not heard. And when I am weary and afraid, let me hear the word spoken to Daniel as your word to me: I am greatly beloved; do not fear; be strong. You hear my prayers from the first day, and you strengthen the fainting; help me take comfort that I am heard and beloved, even when the answer is delayed.