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12 Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. 13 The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia,--- Daniel 10:12-13 ESVAlthough God sent a messenger to Daniel, a powerful spiritual being (“the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia'') detained the messenger for three weeks. Daniel faithfully continued praying and fasting, and God’s messenger eventually arrived, assisted by Michael, the archangel. Answers to our prayers may be hindered by unseen obstacles. Don’t expect God’s answers to come too easily or too quickly. Prayer may be challenged by evil forces, so pray fervently and pray earnestly. Then expect God to answer at the right time.--- Life Application Study Bible notesv12 -The awe-inspired messenger encouraged Daniel by telling him that he was “greatly Loved” by God (v11) and that he had been sent to Daniel in answer to his prayers, to give him insight and understanding and encouragement in response to his mourning and meditation over the situation in Jerusalem.v13 - The angelic messenger was delayed on his journey “twenty-one days” by the “prince of the kingdom of Persia”, an evil angel associated with the Persian Empire and who resists God’s purposes.This information showed that the Jews were not simply facing human opposition and enmity at the earthly court of the Persian king but spiritual beings operating in the heavenly realms. Although this spiritual opponent was powerful enough to delay God’s messenger for a period of three weeks, all he could do was delay him. When “Michael, one of the chief princes” (angels), came to help him, the angel was finally able to complete his journey and bring the message of encouragement to Daniel. --- Crossway ESV Study Bible notes