Written by Ana Alfaro, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in El Salvador
Daniel was a young man, a prince of Judah, taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. His name was changed to Belteshazzar (Dan.1:7). Daniel, despite his youth, proved to be a determined young man with character and strong conviction. He maintained a consecrated life and constant prayer to God, which caused much jealousy and envy amongst those around him.
Daniel, studying the book of Jeremiah, learned that the destruction of Jerusalem was coming to an end (Dn. 1:2) and decided to fast, dressed in sackcloth and, sitting in ashes, pray to God.
Daniel came to God with pleas and prayers, confessing his sins and the sins of the people, thereby showing humility and shame for having disobeyed God and turned away from His commandments (Dn. 9:4-6). Iniquity, rebellion, disobedience, were sins that Judah and Jerusalem committed against God when they did not obey God's servants (the prophets).
“We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.”
Sin brings shame, pain and separation from the presence of God leaving us alone, sad and helpless… at the mercy of Satan. Daniel knew what God had done with his ancestors (Dan. 9:15). What He had done to him and the young men who were also taken prisoner (Dn. 3 and Dn. 6). Daniel had full confidence in God. That is why he said: Great God, worthy to be feared. Daniel acknowledged God's mercy, His justice, His faithfulness (Dn. 9:4,7 and 9); Daniel pled for God's mercy so that His wrath would not fall on Jerusalem (Dan. 9:16-19) .
“Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.””
Like Daniel, we must learn to know the qualities of God so that we can confidently come before Him knowing that, if we show true repentance, He will hear us, forgive us, and restore us. “If we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and righteous, will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). God's response to Daniel was prompt, it did not take long.
While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill— while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision.” (Dn. 9:20-23)
Daniel's faithful prayer allowed God to answer him quickly. God continues to listen to the fervent prayers of His children when He is loved and sought with all our hearts; however, it should not be forgotten that any transgression of His word has a consequence. We must trust in His love, His mercy, His faithfulness, when we have sinned and approach Him with an attitude of humility, confessing the sin or sins that we commit.
Like Daniel, we must remain determined to continue praying to God; live a life of continuous prayer, trust in His mercies, and love Him. We will be heard in the hour of our tribulation, receiving an answer to our plea within God’s will.
May God bless you and allow us to continue learning more from His Word every day.