Daniel 10:12-13 King James Version (KJV)
12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Lord, I thank you that I can depend on you. As I was lying in bed this morning reading a devotion about love, my memory was jarred to a time when I thought I was going to lose my mind, as a result of someone walking out my life. I remember not being able to get out of bed, not having an appetite, losing weight, being depressed, and hopeless all because my relationship had ended. I didn’t see a future without this person. I cried, yearned, and pleaded for things to go back to normal and not be over. I talked to those close to me read blogs and articles about how to get over a person. I even implemented, some of the self-help guidance but each time I would find myself back in the empty dark and hopeless place. This went on for some time, but how many of us know, that God will not put more on you than you can bear. I am so thankful today, that spirit no longer has a hold on me. Finally, I was released. What I didn’t know then that I know now, is the first time I asked God to release me, I was released. However, I am the one who continued to hold on, allowing myself to be tormented and bound by the situation. When in fact God had broken the chains of bondage.
God reminded me of this situation not too long ago because the enemy was toying with my mind concerning my health. He took me down memory lane to show me that he is a consistent God. That whatever I ask in his name it is done according to my faith (Matthew 9:29). What we fail to realize at times, is that when we pray to God the first time, he heard us. However, we get nervous and anxious when God doesn’t come through on our schedule.
God instructed us to ask, not to worry (Matthew 7:7-8). We are the ones that bring stress and weariness to ourselves because of our anxiety. If we could only envision all the wonderful things God wants to do for us. God is our father he wants to give us what we ask for. Remember we serve a pleasing, kind, generous, faithful, and rewarding God. He longs to set us free from any bondage that strips us from his spiritual fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, and many others. It’s important to know that God hears our cry and plead. We don’t have to worry or fret, because even during our waiting, know that God has answered your prayers.
In the book of Daniel Chapter 10, this story reiterates the point I’m making, that God hears our prayers the first time. Daniel knew and believed for God to intervene and make provisions in his circumstance, but instead of praying and leaving it at the feet of God, he mourned for three weeks. What Daniel didn't know is the very first day he sought God for intervention, God heard him, but the manifestation had not taken place in the natural.
Sisters and Brothers in the Lord, yes keep praying to God, but once you pray leave your burdens and cares at his feet. You brought them there so he could carry them, now release yourself and take your hands off the situation because it belongs to God now. Tell yourself you are set free, delivered, and liberated in the name of Jesus.
Father, I pray that you speak to the hearts and minds of your children. Lord easing their fears, worries, and concerns. Letting them know that your ear is always attentive to their cry. That in your time you will come forth, but until then give them a rest in their spirit that enables them to trust, believe, and hold on. In Jesus Name Amen.