THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 31st January 2023 by Connie Paulson (Delaware, 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: Follow in His Footsteps
Please support 5dailydevotional.com so we can continue publishing impactful and uplifting content daily. GIVE HERE
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 4:18-22
“Come, follow me,” [Jesus] said. – Matthew 4:19 (CEB)
I live near the ocean, and I love to walk on the beach. Experiencing the changing seasons and feeling the sand go from frozen and snowy to scorching hot causes me to reflect on the seasons of life.
When my granddaughter Kacey visits on summer weekends, we often go to the beach. We load our items into a beach cart and eagerly begin our journey. Pulling the cart downhill to the water is no problem for Kacey. But on the way back, the cart feels heavier, and the sun and sand seem hotter. She struggles to walk in the shifting sand and pull the cart uphill. I advise her to step in the existing footprints in the sand because someone has previously packed that sand and created a foundation for her to follow.
Just as Jesus called his disciples as he walked along the beach, he also calls us to follow in his footsteps. Jesus guides us through challenges and situations because he has already been there. He knows what we’re experiencing and wants to lighten our burden. Even when we don’t know exactly where we’re going or how we’ll get there, we can trust that Jesus knows and will love us every step of the way.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Loving Savior, thank you for leading us through life’s challenges and for loving and empowering us each step of the way. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Jesus guides my way when I prayerfully trust his guidance.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those lacking direction in life
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
