These 5 Declarations Defeat Demonic Delay
Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia” (Daniel 10:12-13).
Have you ever prayed for the Lord to intervene in a situation and you didn’t see that He did?
Have you asked for His help, favor, an answer to a question, or a dream within your life to come true, and you find yourself still waiting? I have. And I’m pretty sure we all have.
While we are the ones subject to time, not God, there are times His answers to our prayers get held up. They did for Daniel. Read Daniel chapter 10. He had a vision of the future that was so confusing and terrifying that he couldn’t eat for three weeks. Finally, he’s standing on the banks of the Tigris River between modern-day Iraq and Iran, and a man with “a face like lightning and eyes like flaming torches” appeared before him.
While this heavenly being doesn’t give a name, it’s apparent he is a bad motor scooter. It’s also apparent from his glowing frame that he stands in the presence of God and carries the Word of the Lord. He’s so overwhelming that Daniel flat passes out! The heavenly being has to touch him and stand him back up before saying something curious.
“God heard you the very first day you prayed and He sent me to bring the answer, but the evil principality over the place you live has delayed the answer for three weeks.”
That is what I call a spirit of halt. This curse stops the promises of God in your life and it keeps you from progressing. Here, it’s a territorial spirit over a pagan nation and it is strong! God’s messenger not only battles his way there, after 21 days the biggest, baddest angelic being ever created, the archangel Michael, had to step in so the message could get through. If I had to guess why, I would look at this verse:
Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince) (Daniel 10:20-21 NIV).
My friend, timing can get held up by the demonic. Man gave satan authority over this realm and we have a responsibility to pray the answers through. Notice the angelic being said, “No one supports me against them except Michael.” God answered Daniel’s prayer on the first day; the answers came after 21 days of prayer and fasting by one man. Long before Daniel’s angelic visitation, David experienced this very same spirit of halt in his life.
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare (Psalm 25:14-15 NIV).
There were many times in his life when David felt like his feet were in a snare and he could not move forward. Being a man after God’s own heart, he ran to God for help, but we know from the Psalms that the answers didn’t always come right away. Still, David never gave up praying.
Have you given up on the answers to your prayers? Are there prayers you no longer pray—prayers for financial freedom, the salvation of a loved one, or for direction in your purpose and destiny? I tell you, my friend, do not give up! Do not stop! Your redemption draws near.
Your breakthrough is coming, but like Daniel and David, you have to continue to battle in prayer. Gather intercessors and prayer partners to join you. The prince of the power of the air (see Eph. 2:2), satan, wants to keep you under the spirit of halt. Empower God’s angel armies with your petitions and destroy demonic delay!
I Declare in Jesus’ Name…
My eyes are ever on the Lord. I run into His presence as a fleeing man runs into a strong tower for protection.
My prayers and petitions are powerful. They have reached the ear of the Lord and His messengers are on their way.
I will not give up on the Lord! He is answering my prayers and will not leave me empty-handed!
I partner with the armies of heaven to break the spirit of halt over my life. No demonic principality will hold them back or hold me down.
The snare of the enemy has been broken. I have been made mighty for the pulling down of strongholds, the casting down of evil imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.
