THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 2ND JANUARY 2026, FRIDAY MESSAGE
To Be Continued
Stephanie Quattlebaum (Georgia, USA)
Today’s Reading
Philippians 1:1-11
Paul wrote, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6 (NRSVUE)
Growing up in the ‘70s before on-demand programming and video streaming, my family had one TV with three major channels. When the dramatic miniseries became a popular genre and a new episode aired, we would watch intently as tension built. Then suddenly the screen would go dark, and the words to be continued would appear, leaving us in suspense. Having to wait a week to watch the next episode in the series was frustrating.
When it comes to our life stories, “to be continued” could be God’s tagline. We anxiously wait — often in frustration and disappointment — for our circumstances to change, for a new chapter to begin or for an old one to close. But we need not despair. God is actively involved in our lives.
Today’s scripture encourages us that God will finish the good work God has started in us. God does not leave us disconnected or without purpose. At times we may feel we are in a to-be-continued phase of our lives, but in these moments, we can stay connected to God through scripture reading, prayer, wise counsel, and church community.
Thought for the Day
I will look forward to what God has in store for me.
Prayer Focus
Those anxious about the future
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, help us to trust you with the story of our lives. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 2nd January 2026 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