The Upper Room Devotional 9 April 2026, Thursday Message
A Stranger’s Blessing
Lori McGonegle (Alabama, USA)
Today’s Reading
Exodus 14:10-14
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The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. – Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
One Easter Sunday at 2:30 in the morning, my husband and I got a call that our 17-year-old son had been arrested. As we walked into the jail, we noticed an older man walking behind us, pulling a cooler. With tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat, I approached the reception window where a woman told us to sit down and wait. The man who had come in behind us told the woman that he was there to deliver treats for an Easter sunrise service. He proceeded inside while my husband and I waited in silence, a range of emotions stirring within us.
Then we saw the man walk out of the jail after delivering the treats. A few minutes later he walked back inside, toward us. With caring eyes, he looked at us and said, “I don’t know if you’re Christians or not, but I’d like to pray with you.” Tears poured forth, but at the same time a peace overcame me. The three of us joined hands in that empty jail waiting room, and this stranger prayed for our family. Immediately, I was filled with love and peace in one of the darkest moments of my life.
God sent this man to love and comfort us when we needed it most. While it didn’t make all of our troubles disappear, it reminded us that God cares for us and is with us through it all.
Thought for the Day
I will pray for and comfort others when they are in need.
Prayer Focus
For boldness to follow God’s prompting
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for your comfort in difficult times. May we be a blessing to others in their time of need. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 9 April 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
