In the last number of months, I’ve had many discussions about the craziness of this world. About how we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the presence of spiritual darkness in this world. It seems to me to be more and more evident and blatant. The things that are happening now can only be explained that way. The enemy doesn’t even have to be cautious anymore.

For devotions today, we'll look at one of the most amazing stories found in Daniel 10 that gives us a peak into this spiritual realm.

Daniel was in his 90’s when this takes place, towards the end of a long, productive life as a Kingdom Builder. He was hearing all the bad news about his people and was discouraged, demoralized and mourning over the state of the country he loved. For three weeks he “ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched his lips; and he used no ointments.” He was steadfast in his prayers.

At the end of that time he had a heavenly visitor, an angel who told him that God had heard his prayers and had dispatched this angel 21 days ago. However, the angel had become engaged in a battle with the powers that controlled the nation of Persia for 21 days until Michael, one of the chief angels, came to his aid so he might continue on his journey to help Daniel.

This is an introduction to the spiritual battles that rage all around us, even to this day. This is a battle for the hearts and minds of people; it’s the battle between good and evil. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy all we are, stand for, and believe in. We are part of this whether we like it or not. Stop being deceived…stop putting your head in the sand. Recognize it for what it is and fight. Call it out, pray, and claim the victory that is already His.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness, in high places.” Ephesians 6:12