We know that God loves to answer our prayers, but there can be obstacles that get in the way of our prayers being answered. For the next few days, let’s take a look at some of those obstacles and how to overcome them. First: ungodly powers. For three weeks Daniel prayed and got no answer, because an evil force in the spiritual realm, ‘the Prince of Persia’, blocked it (see Daniel 10:13). So God assigned Michael, one of the archangels, to do battle with him. Twenty-one days later the struggle ended, and Daniel got his answer. Paul says, ‘We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world…against evil spirits in the heavenly places’ (Ephesians 6:12 NLT). The devil is powerful enough to deceive us (see 2 Corinthians 4:4), to bring sickness (see Job 2:7), to oppose the righteous (see Zechariah 3:1), and to destroy us (see 1 Peter 5:8). So how can we overcome him? After telling us we’re fighting against the forces of the unseen world, Paul says, ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers’ (Ephesians 6:18 NLT). Christ within us is stronger than any enemy we face. Jesus said, ‘When a strong man is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe – until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him’ (Luke 11:21-22 NLT). Satan is strong, but Jesus is ‘even stronger’. ‘The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work’ (1 John 3:8 NIV). We need to keep focused on Christ, pray faithfully and persistently, and refuse to give up even if the answer is a long time in coming.

What Now?

Think about a prayer you’ve made that seems to have gone unanswered. Have you given up on getting an answer? Today, take a few minutes to refocus on God, ask Him to help you have persistence and patience, then bring the prayer request to Him again.