THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 8th January 2023 by Stuart Stein (South Dakota, USA). As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Setbacks
TODAY’S READING
Romans 5:1-5
Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character . . . because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. – Romans 5:3-5 (NRSV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 8th January 2023 MESSAGE
As I stood near the top of a mountain near Lake Tahoe, California, my hands were shaking. My fingers felt numb, and my teeth began to chatter. At mile 22, I had submerged underwater as part of a 30-mile obstacle course race, and the wind blowing into my face caused my wet hair to freeze.
My mind was spinning. I can’t do this. I need to quit. Others were feeling the same effects, but they kept pushing forward. Up ahead I could see an emergency vehicle. Though continuing might mean a fulfilling accomplishment, I had to quit. The comfort of the medical tent felt amazing. But that feeling was quickly replaced with shame, embarrassment, and frustration.
Jesus knows our challenges and can help us use our setbacks to reshape our life’s trajectory. He allows our most disappointing times to serve as catalysts for greatness.
I was faced with a critical decision on that mountain, and I needed to decide: Would this be my last race, or would I learn from my failure to properly prepare my body and mind for the next? Choosing the latter allowed me the opportunity for redemption. Crossing the finish line the following year was an incredible feeling and taught me a great lesson — all to God’s glory!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, help us to embrace the challenges that come our way and to see them as opportunities to place our faith and trust in you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Disappointments are opportunities to trust God.
PRAYER FOCUS
Runners
The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
