Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” Daniel 10:12-14
“The biblical and historical evidence supports the idea that there are “territorial spirits.” These are fallen angels that wield some kind of dominion over people groups, empires, countries, or cities. They exercise their supernatural power not only to bring harm and misery, but most important, to keep people from coming to a knowledge of the one true God.
Historically, this has happened most commonly when these spirits create, animate, and maintain deviant religions and cults to which people give their devotion and worship. At no time is there any intimation that these powers in any way rival God or present a serious threat to the fulfillment of His plan and purposes. God is sovereign and is infinitely more powerful than any of the spirits or angels. The Father seeks the full devotion of His people. He wants believers to call directly on Him for wisdom, strength, and help.”
Clint E. Arnold in Three Crucial Questions About Spiritual Warfare (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1997) 159.
In my role with GTP, I pray for the nations. I often do it on prayer walks to stay alert (photo above from my walk yesterday). I ask God for wisdom to help me and my team serve the 12 regional facilitators with whom we serve. What I know about these regions from Scripture is that principalities or spiritual forces of evil are behind many of the regional systemic sins that hold people captive (Ephesians 6:12).
So, I went to this book authored by one of my seminary professors to find biblical insight. His research was enlightening. While we know these forces exist, our job is not to fight or do battle with them but to “call directly” on God. This is where generosity comes into view. It’s God’s generosity. Like Daniel, we can call on God and not be afraid though we may have to wait for His answer.
Do you know anyone who is oppressed and struggling? Do you lack wisdom about something? Are you praying for some kind of breakthrough in a situation that seems dark and hopeless? If so, don’t be afraid. Call directly on our generous God and wait patiently for Him. You do not know or see what’s going on in the heavenly realm but you can trust in His matchless power.