The last three chapters of Daniel consist of a long story. They record the final vision given to this prophet of God. Chapter 10 introduces the vision, offering an extraordinary "behind the scenes" look at the spiritual conflict of which Daniel was a part. The Bible clearly reveals that life in our universe exists on two planes: the material and the spiritual. The invisible world is as real as what we see. Furthermore, many of the struggles that occur in this world are influenced by conflicts that take place in the spiritual realm – conflicts that are the result of Satan's rebellion against God. Aligned with Satan are a host of fallen angels who joined him in his rebellion. Together, they constitute a spiritual kingdom of darkness over which Satan reigns as king. From the beginning, Satan's kingdom has been at war with the kingdom of God, and God's people have always been at the center of the conflict. Paul recognized him. , writing:For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, capable of pulling down strongholds… Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 This chapter gives us the opportunity to consider those involved in the spiritual conflict Paul describes. There are many things we need to learn. One is the reality of conflict – and the possibility of suffering defeat. Another is the means to achieve victory and the price to pay to achieve it. Finally, we must learn that the struggle between God and Satan is ongoing and we cannot escape involvement. We will be counted among the conquerors or among the victims. We cannot remain neutral.I. Daniel – The kneeling soldier (verses 1-3)A. Loyalty in retirement (1)B. Daniel 1:19 informs us that Daniel and his friends stood before the king. After graduating from Nebuchadnezzar's school, they were numbered among his counselors. Furthermore, Daniel 1:21 records that Daniel continued in that role until the first year of King Cyrus. At that point his service to the kings ended and Daniel began his retirement years. It was two years later, in Cyrus' third year, that Daniel received this vision. This you...... middle of paper...... of believers. If Satan can discourage or paralyze a Christian, he has advanced his cause and thwarted God's purposes. Nowhere is Satan's opposition more evident than in the believer's prayer life. Daniel's prayer was heard in heaven from the first day (verse 12), however it took 21 days for the answer to come because a fallen angel vigorously opposed God's messenger. This is the reason for the biblical teaching of persistent prayer. Many prayers may not be answered, not because they were not answered, but because the believer abandons the battle before God's messenger could pass. CONCLUSION: The spiritual struggle we glimpse in this chapter is real. It continues to this day. Satan and his organized legions of angels are constantly working to thwart God's plan. As believers, our greatest weapon is prayer. With it we can "pull down strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). It is logical to conclude, therefore, that we can expect maximum opposition when we are on our knees. And, as Daniel teaches us, fallen angels do not abandon the battle until forced. The price we must pay for victory is perseverance: praying until you receive the answer.