Day 4 : January 8, 2026

Persist Through Warfare

Devotional: 

“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…”

Daniel 10:12–13 (HCSB)

Daniel was persistent in prayer, unaware that he was facing unseen spiritual warfare. Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Daniel had no control over the timing of his answered prayer. He could not see what was happening in the spiritual realm, but he knew the One who could see it all. The delay did not discourage him from humbly waiting on God. Instead, he continued in fervent prayer and fasting, confessing the sins of his people, and seeking God’s mercy and help.

Daniel shows us what it looks like to rely on the strength and faithfulness of God in the face of insistent adversity (all while continuing to live a faithful, daily life). In God’s timing, the archangel Michael prevailed, and the answer reached Daniel (Daniel 10:13– 14).

This passage holds a powerful reminder. Demonic opposition celebrates when believers give up, but persistence pushes past resistance. As you persist toward heaven, heaven persists toward you.

Reflect: 

Have I mistaken spiritual resistance for God’s silence? How have I responded while waiting?

One Step Forward: 

Choose one prayer you’ve been tempted to stop praying. Commit to pray it consistently for the remainder of this fast, trusting that God is already at work behind the scenes.