THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 14TH OCTOBER 2025, TUESDAY MESSAGE
Greater than Fear
Abigail Pérez (Texas, USA)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus said to the disciples, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. – Matthew 8:26 (NIV)
Everyone goes through storms in life. My biggest storm was when I entered college. I felt a huge weight on my shoulders as a first-generation Mexican-American woman. I had support from everyone — friends, family, and church members prayed for me. But a voice in my head was casting doubt. Will I succeed? Will my roommate like me? Will people judge me based on how I look? Am I smart enough to be here? What about my family — are they going to be all right? All these thoughts kept me questioning whether or not college was right for me.
The summer before I left for college I went on a mission trip to South Carolina and gained a new perspective on a familiar story. Our group had read Matthew 14, the part when Jesus walked on water. Our pastor mentioned how Jesus was unafraid in the midst of the very things the disciples were afraid of — the water and the raging wind. I had never seen the story that way. Also, in Matthew 8, we see how Jesus can calm the winds and the waves in an instant. Those stories reminded me that Jesus truly is greater than any problem we may face. I knew then that Jesus could help me conquer my fears about college and that he would be with me every step of the way.
Thought for the Day
Because God is with me, I don’t have to be afraid.
Prayer Focus
Students entering college
Today’s Prayer
Thank you, God, for being greater than our anxiety and fears. Even when the storms come, help us remain steadfast in your presence. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 14th October 2025 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