"But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia" (Daniel 10:13).

I left at 5am to fly to another city to present some possible joint initiatives in ministry with another organization. I would only have an hour or so to meet with the board. I got into the city, taxied to the hotel. "This is great, I thought. No glitches, I am even here an hour early." I asked where the meeting was. There was no record of such a meeting, but my contact was staying at the hotel. I made several calls to no avail. What did I miss? I continued trying to reach someone. An hour and a half later I reached my wife. She located a letter that seemed to indicate the meeting might be downtown. I took a cab and arrived at the location. "I am sorry sir, there are no 7th floor offices in use yet in this building." "That cannot be. My letter says different." After I insisted she let me go up. I arrived on the seventh floor. Nothing but concrete. Perplexed, I called my wife again. We made contact with yet another who gave us another number to call. Finally, we locate where the meeting is taking place. I get into the cab for another $30 cab ride. Forty-five minutes later the cab driver is lost. We stop at a dry cleaners and he begins asking people where the street is located. I was past the point of anger. I was now laughing at this situation while I looked out the back of the window at this cab driver. A few minutes later we arrive at our destination, 3 1/2 hours after our scheduled time.

Plans do not always go as we hope. Sometimes they are hindered for our purposes. Sometimes we are dealing in a spiritual realm in which we realize we are truly in a spiritual battle. And sometimes we are even hindered to protect us. After looking at this situation I believe I was being hindered from getting to this meeting. However, perseverance and God's grace allowed me to make the meeting. Important initiatives resulted from the brief time I was there.

The next time your plans get thwarted, begin asking what is at the root of the calamities. Ask God for discernment on what is taking place. Just like Daniel, God will show you what is behind such events.