There is a direct relationship between the physical realm and the unseen realm. 

As I often say to the congregation where I pastor, details matter. Take, for example, Daniel 10. That’s where we learn how he was mourning and fasting for three weeks: “I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks” (verse 3).

Later in verse 13 we are told about a huge battle that was happening in the unseen realm. A powerful angel was confronted by a high-ranking demon. It took none other than Michael the archangel to eventually secure the victory. This battle lasted for 21 days. 

Let’s connect the dots. 3 weeks is exactly 21 days. Is it a coincidence that Daniel’s heightened level of spiritual activity (fasting) was exactly the same amount of time that this battle was taking place in the unseen realm? I don’t think so. Since the angelic battle had specifically to do with getting a message to Daniel, I think we are supposed to make the connection. 

What goes on “down here,” impacts what is going on “out there,” and what happens “out there,” impacts what is going on “down here.”

My sense is that you probably already know this. Doing physical things like praying, going to church, volunteering or fasting, make a real difference in our relationship with God and with the wider world. If they didn’t, why bother? But they also make a difference in the unseen battles around us.

Daniel 10 may be dramatic, but it’s a powerful encouragement to seek God on a daily basis. Your acts of faithfulness make an actual difference. 

What if your prayers were literally changing the direction of someone’s life? 
What if angels were literally intervening for you on a weekly basis?
What if your growing inner humility and strength literally helped to push back the darkness?

In 2 Corinthians 5:7 Paul says: “we walk by faith, not by sight.” In other words, we navigate life not just based on what we see with our eyes and touch with our hands, but by trusting in God, living by his promises, and pursuing his plan for our lives. Our eyes are helpful, but they don’t show the full picture.

There is a direct relationship between the physical realm and the unseen realm. Let’s walk by faith, not just by sight. And may God’s kingdom advance in our souls, households, churches, communities, and in the wider world.

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Notes:

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.