When God Seems Slow

While You Wait, God Is Working

Scripture References

Primary text

• Daniel 10

Other references

• Daniel 2:28
• Ephesians 6:12
• Ephesians 2

Overview

Daniel 10 shows an elderly Daniel fasting and praying for three weeks with no visible answer. At the end of the fast he receives a dramatic vision, hears that his prayer was heard on day one, and learns that unseen spiritual warfare delayed the answer. Pastor Craig uses this scene to speak to anyone praying and still waiting: God hears immediately, battles rage invisibly, and we remain “unshakable” by trusting His faithfulness while we wait.

Main Points

1. Daniel’s three-week burden

• Context: Judah had permission to return home, yet continued to live in sin.
• Daniel (about 84–90 years old) was “mourning” their condition, so he fasted from rich food, meat, wine, and lotions for 21 days.
• Personal diagnostic: what moves my heart reveals how close I am to God; petty irritations surface when I’m distant, people’s pain burdens me when I’m close.

2. A solitary vision on the Tigris

• Daniel sees a majestic figure “dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold… eyes like flaming torches.”
• Companions feel terror and run; only Daniel sees the vision—God sometimes gives a word meant for one person.
• Possible identity: a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (christophany) or a high-ranking angel.

• Story: Craig’s softball-field salvation moment—unable to stand under God’s presence, surrendered fully and was changed instantly.

3. Flattened by glory, lifted by touch

“You are very precious to God.”

• Daniel collapses face-down; no human can bear the weight of God’s glory.
• A hand touches and lifts him—“God is a lifter” (Psalm language: the lifter of my head).
• Repetition underscores identity: precious to God brings peace, courage, and strength.

4. Unseen spiritual warfare delays visible answers

• Messenger: “Since the first day you began to pray… your request was heard in heaven.”
• The “spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia” (a demonic power) resisted the angel 21 days until Michael the archangel arrived.
• Ephesians 6:12: our struggle is against rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world—prayer engages a realm we cannot see.

“While you’re waiting, God is still working.”

5. Faith posture for an unshakable life

• Review of series themes: resolve not to compromise, excel (“mina”) for God’s glory, speak truth with love.
• Corporate declaration:

“God, I believe You can.
God, I believe You will.
But even if You don’t, I still believe.”

• Waiting is never wasted when surrendered to a faithful God.

Key Truths

• God hears the very first prayer of a humble heart.
• Silence on earth does not equal inactivity in heaven.
• Spiritual battles often precede physical breakthroughs.
• Identity fuels endurance: you are precious to God.
• An unshakable believer trusts God’s character above current outcomes.

Response

• Persist in prayer even when nothing seems to change.
• Fast or simplify life to focus on God’s heart for people.
• Replace worry with worship: cast specific cares on Him.
• Declare truth aloud—“I am precious to God” and “While I wait, He works.”
• Act with integrity and love, confident that heaven is fighting for you.

Closing

Craig closed by inviting every waiting heart to lift hands, confess trust, and sense God’s strengthening touch. The same voice that met Daniel speaks today:

“Don’t be afraid. You are precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged. Be strong.”

Though we may not see it yet, angelic armies are moving, and our faithful God is worthy of all our praise while we wait.

Prayer

Pastor Craig led the church:

• Thanking God for His character and sovereignty.
• Asking Him to build faith in those praying and waiting.
• Committing to trust His goodness for miracles, salvation, healing, and provision while acknowledging His faithfulness even when we are faithless.