The Upper Room Devotional 1 July 2026, Wednesday Message
Finding Peace in Change
Reagan James (Texas, USA)
Today’s Reading
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Just after my first year of high school, I desperately needed a change. I had been going to a private school my entire life and living in the bubble that comes with that. I wanted to escape the familiar and experience something new. I was terrified to go to a public school because it was such an unfamiliar place, and I did not know anyone. But I felt God was urging me to make a substantial change, and so I decided to change schools. I poured all my stress and anxiety into my prayers and trusted God to help me.
Having now finished high school, I could not be more thankful that God gave me the courage to make that change. Even though I was nervous at first, eventually I found peace in my choice. I learned so much in those three years about respecting others with different beliefs and life experiences. My eyes were opened to so many different walks of life, which made me grow stronger in my faith and realize how God works in mysterious ways.
No matter how big or small the change may be, God has our best interests at heart. Following God’s call — even when it requires a big change — can be a wonderful blessing.
Thought for the Day
I can trust God to help me navigate change.
Prayer Focus
Students moving to a new school
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, remind us to put our trust in you. Give us courage to embrace new experiences and to follow your loving guidance. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 1 July 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