Courage Through Christ – October 26, 2026
Read: Daniel 6:10-12,16-23
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10
Courage Through Christ
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pray to God—and be thrown to the lions.
That was the danger Daniel faced because of the king’s new law. What would you do? Stop praying? Hide? Daniel went home, got down on his knees, and prayed, just as he had before. How could he be so brave?
Many years later, Martin Luther faced a frightening choice too: take back his teachings from God’s Word or risk his life. Martin Luther was the central figure of the Reformation. He helped people hear the good news that Jesus saves us by grace, not because we earn it. Martin Luther wrote 95 statements about problems he saw in the church. He hoped church leaders would read them and discuss them so the church could teach God’s truth more clearly. In the years that followed, Luther was ordered to take back his teachings, and his life was threatened. Yet rather than deny the truth of God’s Word, Martin Luther stood firm. He knew the wonderful truth that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus alone.
In today’s reading, Daniel was also staring death in the face. He faithfully served King Darius. But the king had signed a law: anyone who prayed to someone other than the king would be thrown into the lions’ den! Daniel kept doing something he had done for years: taking time each day to talk to the one true God in prayer.
Most of us do not face dangers like those Luther and Daniel faced. Even so, there will be times when living out our faith is not easy. Classmates may laugh at you for going to church or praying before a meal. Friends in your neighborhood may not want to include you because you choose not to join in activities that go against God’s commands. You may even have to miss an activity because your family chooses to put worship first.
These challenges can hurt. Sometimes those moments tempt us to hide our faith or go along with the crowd. Sometimes we give in. But Jesus never did. He perfectly obeyed his Father and went to the cross to pay for our sins—even the times we’ve hidden our faith. He forgives us!
Just as God was with Martin Luther and Daniel, he is with us too. That doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but through his Word, the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith and gives us courage to follow Jesus.
As we stand firm, we point others to the wonderful truth that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus alone. We don’t have to face hard things alone. Our Savior is with us. That’s courage through Christ!
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for always being with us. Forgive us when we hide our faith or follow the crowd. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us. Through your Word, give us courage to follow him, even when it is hard. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- How do you feel when someone is mean to you?
- Who loves you and stays with you, even when you feel afraid?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do you think Daniel kept praying even though he knew he could be thrown into the lions’ den?
- What are some ways you can live out your faith at school, with your friends, or on your team? How does knowing Jesus is with you help?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Daniel and Martin Luther remained faithful even when it was difficult. Where did they find the courage to do that? How does God strengthen your faith today?
- When is it hardest to live your faith instead of following the crowd? What comfort does Jesus give you when you have given in?
