The Upper Room 15 December 2021 Daily Devotional | Wednesday Message
Click Here To Read Previous The Upper Room Daily Devotional
“Trapped” in the Airport
Leland P. Gamson (Indiana, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Romans 12:9-16
KEY VERSE: The Lord says, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you.” – Jeremiah 29:7 (NRSV)
The Upper Room 15 December 2021 Daily Devotional Message
“We’re calling because we need your prayers, Pastor. We are trapped between flights in Chicago because of the snowstorm.”
Our pastor asked, “Are you inside where it is dry and climate controlled?” “Yes,” I replied. “Do you have access to water and food?” Again, I said, “Yes.” Then he asked, “Are you sick?” I answered, “No.” He said to me, “Then you aren’t really trapped, are you? I’ll pray for you to be of service to the Lord where you are.”
We prayed together, and my attitude changed almost immediately.
I bought children’s books at an airport store and offered them to families with children. My wife struck up a conversation with an older man wearing a Korean War veteran’s hat. Later we offered to wait in the food line for others. It became easy for us to approach others, knowing we were all in the same situation. Additionally, several worried-looking, stranded passengers accepted our offer to pray with them.
The 16 hours in the terminal went rather quickly when we made ourselves available to others. We were not trapped. We were in the right place at the right time to reflect the love of God.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, when we feel trapped, show us how to be a witness to your loving presence. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
In any stressful circumstance, I can look for ways to serve God.
PRAYER FOCUS
Airport employees
READ MORE
More From Leland P. Gamson