The Upper Room Daily Devotional 23rd January 2023: Source of Strength

THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Upper Room Daily Devotional 23rd January 2023 by Oluwaseun Ajia (Lagos, Nigeria). 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: Source of Strength

TODAY’S READING
1 John 5:1-5

Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. – 1 John 5:4 (KJV)

The Upper Room Daily Devotional 23rd January 2023 MESSAGE

A friend and I were having a chat a couple of days ago, and she asked, “Is it wrong for a Christian to question God when things are hard and not making sense?” We all face tough times and ask, Why?

I have certainly had moments when I have questioned God, not because I don’t believe but because the situation just seems unbearable. I do not believe it’s wrong to question God. The first disciples did, and so did many others throughout the scriptures.

The past few years have been challenging for us all. We have been tested, frustrated, and angry at our circumstances. But our reading from 1 John tells us who we are in Christ Jesus; we are “overcomers.” And this truth will never change, even when things are bad. Because we are born of God, our source of strength lies in God. Knowing this doesn’t always solve our immediate struggles, but it puts our minds at peace and enables us to continue to receive guidance from the Spirit of God. So “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:18).

TODAY’S PRAYER
Help us, O God, when we are at the crossroads of doubt and faith. May your word always shine as a beacon of light to us in our times of uncertainty. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We are born of God, and therefore we can overcome.

PRAYER FOCUS
Those feeling guilty for questioning God

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