The Upper Room 12th February 2024 Devotional Message
The Upper Room 12th February 2024 Devotional, Monday Message by John D. Bown (Minnesota, USA)
TOPIC: Out of My Comfort Zone
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 23:1-6
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10 (NRSVUE)
Many years ago, I was asked to go on a mission trip abroad. I declined because of numerous conflicts — family activities, work demands, and other commitments. I thought the next trip would fit my schedule better. But after a few more years and opportunities, I still had not participated.
Then in 2005, I was invited to go on a mission trip to Guatemala. Even though many of the same conflicts existed, I felt God nudging me to go. As I prayed about the opportunity, I realized that my conflicts were really excuses to avoid stepping out of my comfort zone.
I did go on that trip, followed by seven more trips over the next eight years. As we offered our help to those we encountered, I also gained a better perspective on the meaning of “abundant life.” The people we met possessed joy, peace, and love for God — the abundant life — that made a lasting impression on me.
That first trip was a small investment of time, but a big step in my walk of faith because I was willing to leave the familiar and move forward in faith trusting God.
TODAY’S PRAYER
God of second chances, open our hearts so that we will be ready to respond to your call. Help us to be obedient to you, to discern your will for our lives, and to go forward in faith. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God provides many opportunities for me to say yes.
PRAYER FOCUS
Mission-trip participants
The Upper Room 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. The meditations are stories of real people working to live faithfully with the Bible as their touchstone. Every day, readers of The Upper Room around the world read the same story in many different languages and pray the same prayer together.
