The Upper Room 18 November 2021 Daily Devotional, Thursday Message
Strength and Peace
John Wesley “Wes” Sexton (South Carolina, USA)
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2 Corinthians 12:2-10
KEY VERSE: Paul wrote, “[The Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
The Upper Room 18 November 2021 Daily Devotional Message:
On Friday, July 28, 2017, my wife Lisa and I were shocked to hear my physician say, “I think you have ALS.” I don’t remember much after those words except for the moment I looked at Lisa’s face and knew that our lives would change forever.
Further testing confirmed the diagnosis: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal disease with no known cure. On average, patients survive only 2-5 years after diagnosis.
It took weeks for the reality of our unknown future to set in. However, there was one thing I was certain about: God was with me and would continue working through me! After sharing our news with family, close friends, and our church, we received an outpouring of love through encouraging words, hugs, cards, and visits.
In addition to receiving love, it has been my hope to share “a peace that surpasses all understanding” with others (Phil. 4:6-7). In line with Paul’s words from today’s reading, I try to give my weaknesses to God so that the Lord can use them. When friends and family tell me that they are praying for me and our family, I simply reply, “Thank you” and add, “God loves hearing your prayers!”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God loves me and is present in every situation.
PRAYER FOCUS
Persons with ALS
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, when we face trials that seem insurmountable, thank you for your love, mercy, and grace that provide us strength, hope, and unexplained peace. Amen.
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