Daniel was a faithful man who followed God with all his heart. Even when he was taken to live in Babylon, far from his homeland, Daniel continued to pray and seek God every day.

One day, Daniel received a troubling vision. He didn’t understand what it meant, but he knew it was important. So he did what he always did—he turned to God.

For three full weeks, Daniel humbled himself. He didn’t eat rich food or meat. He didn’t drink wine or use oils for comfort. Instead, he prayed and waited for God to speak.

Day after day passed. Still, there was no answer.

Finally, on the twenty-first day, a man clothed in linen appeared to Daniel. His face shone like lightning, and his voice thundered like a crowd. Daniel was terrified and fell to the ground, weak and speechless.

The angel touched him and said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray and humble yourself before God, your request was heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.”

Then the angel said something surprising.

“But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…”
— Daniel 10:13 (NIV)

There had been a spiritual battle happening behind the scenes. God had answered Daniel’s prayer on the very first day, but the angel bringing the message had been delayed by a powerful enemy in the unseen realm.

Daniel’s faith and persistence in prayer had not gone unnoticed. God had been working all along, even when it seemed like nothing was happening.

This story reminds us that delays are not the same as silence. Sometimes, the answer is on the way, even when we can’t see it. God hears every prayer, and His timing is always right—even when it feels slow to us.