The Upper Room Devotional 22 March 2026, Sunday Message
Open Doors
Melanie Sue Fretz (Pennsylvania, USA)
Today’s Reading
Exodus 3:7-14
So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. – Genesis 12:4 (KJV)
Benji, our sweet, new foster cat had been confined to a small bedroom for eight months while he healed from injuries and countless medical conditions. He didn’t quite comprehend the freedom available to him when he came to our home. My husband and I were excited to offer him open doors and countless spots to play and nap. We were therefore puzzled over Benji’s choice to stay in one small room.
As I pondered his self-imposed isolation, I recognized my own tendency to limit myself to the comfortable and familiar. I often confine myself to a perceived “safe space” without venturing out into the unknown. The Bible is filled with stories of God’s urging people to be courageous. When called by God to journey to an unfamiliar place, Abram “departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him.” Moses, too, followed God’s command. God stood by both Abram and Moses and kept them safe. They would have missed an abundance of blessings had they not obeyed God’s commands.
After an adjustment period, Benji is now enjoying multiple window perches and comfy chairs with warm blankets. Benji’s trust in us allowed him to move beyond the familiar. May our trust in the Lord’s plans allow us to do the same.
Thought for the Day
I will be open to nudges from God to step out of my comfort zone.
Prayer Focus
Someone adjusting to a new home
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Today’s Prayer
Dear God, help us to embrace the opportunities you provide to serve you. Thank you for being with us always. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 22 March 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