Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 17

Fasting Devotional – Day Seventeen

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Title: Daniel Surrenders His Safety

Text: Daniel 6

Written by: Heather Lambert

Thoughts:

Daniel 6 tells the story of a faithful man placed in an impossible position. A new law is passed—one designed not to promote justice, but to trap him. For thirty days, no one may pray to any god or person except the king. The penalty is severe: death in the lions’ den. Daniel is faced with a choice. He can temporarily adjust his devotion, pray in secret, or comply outwardly to preserve his safety. Instead, scripture explains, “When Daniel

knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” Daniel 6:10, ESV). Daniel does what he has always done. He goes home, opens his windows toward Jerusalem, and prays—fully aware of the consequences.

Daniel’s obedience was not loud or rebellious; it was steady, surrendered, and deeply rooted. He did not protest the law. He did not argue his innocence. He simply entrusted his life to God. True surrender often looks like quiet faithfulness when compromise would be easier.

During fasting, we are invited into this same posture. Fasting is not about forcing God’s hand, it is about releasing our own. Like Daniel, we surrender control, comfort, and outcomes. We choose obedience over self-protection. We trust that God is present even when the lions are real. Daniel surrendered his safety, and God proved Himself faithful—not because Daniel demanded rescue, but because he trusted God regardless of the outcome.

Challenge:

As you fast today, consider:

·       Where am I tempted to compromise my obedience for comfort or security?

·       What feels risky to surrender right now—control, reputation, certainty, or approval?

·       Am I trusting God only for rescue, or trusting Him with the outcome?

Fasting sharpens our awareness of where we cling to self-preservation instead of surrender.

Prayer:

Dear God, I surrender my need to protect myself. I release my desire to control outcomes. Give me courage to obey You fully, even when obedience feels costly. Help me trust You—not just for deliverance, but with my life, my future, and my safety. Trusting in your name, I pray. Amen