Thursday, October 1, 2026
City of Praise reflectionCourage and spiritual endurance — Daniel 10:17-21
Courage and spiritual endurance
Today’s Scripture: Daniel 10:17-21 (KJV)
- For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.
- Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,
- And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
- Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.
- But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
Guided reflection
Read Daniel 10:17-21 slowly, then read the surrounding chapter. Notice the original audience and the relationship between warning, repentance and hope. Do not turn a promise or judgment addressed to a particular people into an automatic personal prediction.
Attend especially to Daniel 10:19: “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”
Observe: Who is speaking or acting, and what changes across these verses? Identify a word, action or contrast in Daniel 10:17-21 that helps you explain the passage in your own words.
Reflect: What response to difficulty is encouraged here, and what shortcuts does it rule out? Ground your answer in Daniel 10:19 and its surrounding verses. If the connection to this month’s theme is indirect, let the passage’s own meaning lead.
Respond: Face one postponed responsibility prayerfully, without retaliating or giving in to fear. Write one sentence explaining how your response follows from Daniel 10:17-21, and return to it this evening.
Put the Word into practice
Choose one truth from today’s passage. Write down one practical step you can take today, then ask God for grace to follow through.
Today’s prayer
Father, as I consider Daniel 10:19, give me courage joined with humility. Let the truth of this passage correct my assumptions and shape my response today. Help me practise what is faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Part of our Scripture-led study plan. Read the passage in context and use the prompts for personal reflection.