The Upper Room 26 February 2024 Devotional Message
The Upper Room 26 February 2024 Devotional, Tuesday Message by Christopher King (Virginia, USA)
TOPIC: Why Me?
TODAY’S READING
James 1:2-12
We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
Prison is a breeding ground for human suffering. Having spent the better part of my adult life behind bars, I have witnessed much pain. Countless times I have cried out to God, “Why me?” Today’s scripture readings remind us that God can use our suffering to change lives. Central to that plan is the transformation of our spirits.
For many of us behind bars, we come to the point where the only place left to go is to our knees and cry out to God to forgive our transgressions and welcome us home like the prodigal son. I spend my days in here trying to be the man that God created me to be, trying to use my experience and years of suffering to help others. Today I take comfort in knowing that the Lord is using me as a vessel of compassion and love. Today I allow God to use my life as an example of true spiritual transformation. If we allow it, God will change us.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Merciful God, use us to demonstrate your ability to mend broken hearts and transform lives. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I will embrace my suffering, knowing that God can use it for a greater good.
PRAYER FOCUS
Families of those incarcerated
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. The meditations are stories of real people working to live faithfully with the Bible as their touchstone. Every day, readers of The Upper Room around the world read the same story in many different languages and pray the same prayer together.