How to Pray When Nothing Is Happening

Feast and Focus

Fred Young

January 15, 2023

INTROFeast

New Year’s Resolutions

23% of people quit by the end of the first week.

64% after the first month.

43% of people expect to give up on their goals by February, which explains the relatively high quitting rate in January.

Most people quit on the second Friday of the month, according to Strava, a Running and Cycling tracking app. They named this day “Quitters Day”.

Only 9% keep their New Year’s resolutions and see their resolutions through until succession.

Why do people fail?

35% of people attribute losing motivation as the top reason for giving up.

19% say they are too busy.

18% change their goals and priorities.

The main reason why people fail is the timing of New Year’s resolutions.

While people want to achieve change, they have yet to be ready to commit fully.

The main reason why people fail to encounter the Lord in their fast is the timing of the fast. While people want to see breakthrough, they have yet to be ready to commit to their fast fully.

Successful individuals reported more stimulus control and willpower. Social support and interpersonal strategies became important after the first six months of pursuing the goal.

Successful individuals are likely to experience 14 slip-ups during a 2-year interval, indicating that resilience or the ability to bounce back from setbacks is essential for goal success.

Proverbs 24:16 (AMP)For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster and collapse.

For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, But the wicked stumble in time of disaster and collapse.

Trying to lose weight and not seeing the results in the first few days.

If you lose one pound a week, you will lose 52 pounds in a year, 104 pounds in two years.

IF YOU DON’T QUIT, YOU WIN.

TEXT

Daniel 10:2-14, 18-212 In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. 3 I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.

2 In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. 3 I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.

4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. 6 His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult. 7 Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.

8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength. 9 But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. 10 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.”...

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.”

CONTEXT

Daniel 10:1In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision.

In chapter 10, it says we are in “the third year of Cyrus, king of Perisa…”

This vision is dated in the third year of Cyrus after his conquest of Babylon, his third year since Daniel became acquainted with him and a subject to him in 536 BC.

Cyrus, the king of Persia, issued a decree for the Jews to return to the holy land two years earlier in 538 BC.

Daniel did not return to the Holy Land with his people.

The Bible does not state the reason.

He served Babylon until the first year of Cyrus (538 B.C., 1:21). Daniel was probably in his mid-eighties at this time and in retirement.

Daniel prayed, fasted, and mourned for three weeks. His serious distress was over the safety of the Jews who returned to the Holy Land (Ezra 4:1-5,24).

MESSAGE

Daniel 10:2-32 In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. 3 I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.

2 In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. 3 I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.

Daniel was worried for his people. Many Jews left Babylon, which became Persia, to go back to Judah. These were his friends, his community.

How many of you have people that you’re worried about, caring for, contending for?

You’re in good company.

If any of you were wondering where the parameters of the Daniel fast came from, this is often seen as the blueprint - 3 weeks, no tasty food, meat, wine.

Del Taco - Impossible tacos.

If you are not seeking God with greater intention while fasting, you’re simply doing a 21-day diet.

You can only eat blackberries and bison livers, water fast, Esther fast while doing a handstand, but if you’re not seeking the face of God, this is simply a physical cleanse and no different than what the rest of the world is doing with their New Year resolutions to lose weight.

Daniel 10:4-7 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I

4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. 6 His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult. 7 Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves.

It matters what you are fixing your eyes on. Where are you fixing your eyes when you contend?

Matthew 6:22-2322 “The

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

Where are you lifting your eyes? Who are you lifting your eyes to?

When we look at Jesus’ life, He taught us that He only does what He sees His Father doing.

John 5:19“...the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

“...the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

Luke 9:16

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.

John 17:1

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,”

Before Jesus performed these miracles, He shifted His gaze and fixed His eyes.

Your eyes dictate your access.

If you focus on things below, here on earth, you will only have access to things available here on earth.

If you lift your eyes and look at things above, you have access to the storehouses of Heaven with a Father that owns a cattle on a thousand hills!

Even if things don't look like they're moving in the natural, your eyes are fixed on things above and I know that we serve a God that’s greater than doctor’s reports and empty bank accounts!

You can be in the room and not see the vision!

I can’t definitively speak on why Daniel was the only one who saw the vision, but we see clearly that there were other people in the room with him.

Why was it that only Daniel saw the vision?

What was it about his life that provoked Heaven to speak to him?

You can’t see a vision if you’re hiding.

The glory and presence of God doesn’t always make sense.

I would rather be scared and shaking in the presence of God than run and hide from what doesn’t make sense to my carnal mind.

Daniel 10:8-11 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength. 9 But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. 10 Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, “O Daniel,

8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength. 9 But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. 10 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.

There was something about Daniel’s life that he would be called a “man of high esteem.”

Are you a man or woman of high esteem?

There was a level of integrity that Daniel had shown throughout the course of his life, back to when he refused the king’s food and drink and also when he was thrown in the lion’s den, to build history with God.

This wasn’t the first time that God had spoken to him through visions and noted his character and place in God’s heart.

Daniel 9:23

23 At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.

Even someone of high esteem like Daniel trembled in the presence of the angel.

No one is above the fear of God or lives such a spotless life that they should be able to stand in the presence of holiness and judgment.

We all fall short and should never be so prideful as to forget where we came from.

Daniel 10:12-14 12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for

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.”

Daniel humbled himself before God.

2 Chronicles 7:14

14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

The author makes a distinction between humbling yourself and prayer.

This tells me that you can pray without humbling yourself; however, those prayers will not be heard.

A prerequisite to prayer is humility.

Prayer is one of the most humbling things. When you are on your knees, you are in a position of submission.

It causes you to slow down. You can’t run on your knees.

It lowers your physical height and position, representing a spiritual humbling.

You are recognizing that you don’t have the answers and you need to lean on someone who does.

Angels move in response to our words.

Proverbs 18:21Life and death is in the power of our tongue.

Life and death is in the power of our tongue.

The angel didn’t say, “I have come in response to your thoughts. I have come in response to your good vibes.”

He came in response to Daniel’s WORDS.

Daniel’s words were heard the first day.

The angel was sent the first day.

There was another time that the angel came to send Daniel a message.

Daniel 9:20-2320 Now while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God, 21

20 Now while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God, 21 while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering. 22 He gave me instruction and talked with me and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding. 23 At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.”

In Daniel 9, the angel came while he was still praying!

The speed of the breakthrough on earth doesn’t dictate the movement that’s happening in heaven.

Just because you don’t see breakthrough in the physical, that doesn’t mean angels aren’t warring on your behalf in the supernatural.

Ephesians 6:1212 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

There is a spiritual battle that is waging around us.

There are strongholds and principalities that angels are warring against.

What would have happened if Daniel stopped praying on day 10 or 14 or 20?

This angel did not reach Daniel until day 21.

Breakthrough is waiting on our follow through.

We need to be people of follow through. People that finish what they start and press through until the breakthrough.

Daniel 10:18-21 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.”

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.”

After delivering the message, the angel returned back to battle to fight against the prince of Persia.

This battle is ongoing. There is always a fight to be fought.

2 Timothy 4:77 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

1 Timothy 6:1212 Fight the good fight of the faith.

12 Fight the good fight of the faith.

The prince of Persia is only mentioned in Daniel 10, a highly apocalyptic (and therefore at least partially symbolic) section of the book of Daniel. Most likely, the prince of Persia is a reference to an evil spiritual entity that wielded authority over the ancient kingdom of Persia.

This passage teaches on more than just prayer and fasting but spiritual warfare.

Daniel 10 shows us that there are regional principalities and princes, a prince over Persia and over Greece.

Michael Houdmann: “Taking this passage at face value, it seems that the prince of Persia is a fallen angel who in some sense had authority or influence over the physical kingdom of Persia.”

In Daniel 10, the prophet is praying about the future of his people and their exile in Persia.

A heavenly angel is dispatched with the answer, but a demonic “prince of Persia” obstructs the messenger.

This action would make sense, as the divine answer involves the overthrow of the Persian Empire.

The angelic messenger finally gets some help from the archangel Michael, who is apparently the prince (or one of the princes) of Israel in the angelic realm (Daniel 10:13, 21).

Then the angelic messenger says he will face even more spiritual warfare, returning to fight against the prince of Persia.

After that, he will face another spiritual enemy, the prince of Greece (Daniel 10:20).

We know from history (and as was prophesied in Daniel) that Greece would be the next world power after Persia, and that Greece would dominate Israel for a time.

There are real battles happening, territorial spirits and strongholds.

West Hollywood - Spirit of Jezebel, lust

I know I’m smooth but not that smooth.

There were demons warring against the freedom of Israel. What makes you think that there aren’t demons warring against your freedom and breakthrough?

Are you pressing in until the 21st day to receive strategy and breakthrough?

CONCLUSION

Where is your trust placed?

Is it placed solely in the outcome, or do you have faith that regardless of my desired outcome, I will trust that angels are fighting on my behalf, even if I do not see it right now?

Are your eyes fixed on the right things? The right person?

Have you humbled yourself?

Are you using your words and opening your mouth?

Are you comparing the speed of your breakthrough with others or even how God has worked in the past?

Which princes are you warring against?

Daniel was warring against the prince of Persia and soon to be the prince of Greece.

Ask God for strategy on what is warring against you.

END WITH CORPORATE PRAYER MEETING