The Upper Room Daily Devotional for Today – August 12, 2026, Wednesday Message
LEAVING THE FAMILIAR
Faith Joyce (England, United Kingdom
TODAY’S READING
Ephesians 4:17-24
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds. – Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)
Before following Jesus, Peter was a fisherman; his whole life revolved around catching fish. That changed when Jesus gave him a new identity as a “fisher of men.” Yet, after three years of following Jesus — hearing his teachings, witnessing his crucifixion, and even seeing him resurrected — Peter was still unsure of his next steps. So Peter decided to return to what was familiar, saying, “I’m going out to fish” (Jn. 21:3).
Often when we feel confused or stuck, we retreat to what we know. Like Peter, when faced with uncertainty, we return to familiar waters, falling back into old habits or revisiting the places we previously frequented.
But rather than returning to the familiar, Jesus calls us to embark on new journeys, following the path he set before us. Ephesians 4:22 says to “put off your old self.” We are called to move beyond who we were before and live with purpose for the kingdom of God.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Faithful God, meet us in our weakness, for your grace makes us whole. Strengthen us against temptations and our old ways that still beckon us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
In Christ, I can leave my past behind.
PRAYER FOCUS
For courage to move forward in faith
The Upper Room Daily Devotional for Today 12th August 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