Battles in Heavenly Places

​Scripture Reading: Daniel 10:10-21 NASB95
Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. [11] He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. [12] Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. [13] But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. [14] Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.” [15] When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. [16] And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength. [17] For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.” [18] Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. [19] He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” [20] Then he said, “Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. [21] However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince.

In this story we are given a glimpse of battles in heavenly places.  In the case of Daniel, the Kingdom of Persia was being set up to be conquered by the Greeks.  This was more than a mundane battle between the Kingdoms of this earth.  Even the angel Michael took 21 days to "fight" his way to Daniel.  He was being opposed by a spiritual force called the prince of the kingdom of Persia.

We live in a world of conflict.  Even as I write this, Russia has invaded the Ukraine.  The war is being fought across the physical plane of existence, but it is also being fought in heavenly places as well.  As in the case of Daniel, God raises up nations and rulers, and He also brings down nations and rulers.  This is all done according to the purposes of God.  

What is God's purpose in our world today?  He is working to bring about the fulfillment of His prophecies and to execute His plan for our tiny planet.  End time prophesies indicate that our world will be facing some very trying times indeed; we are talking anti-Christ, wars, persecution, and apocalyptical events.  Should Believers be concerned?  "No," we need to remember that God is in control.  He has a plan and ultimately His plan will take down evil and establish His Kingdom in this place of darkness.

Questions to Consider:  

1. Do you consider God's ultimate plan as you see the events of today unfold?
2. Are you aware of the spiritual warfare that is taking place in heavenly places?
3. ​We are living in turbulent times; how do you maintain peace of mind in the midst of the storms?

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