The Upper Room Devotional 10th February 2026, Tuesday Message
God Speaks
Laurie S. (Virginia, USA)
Today’s Reading
Jeremiah 29:11-13
I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 (CEB)
I have had a wonderful life. I graduated from high school and college with honors. I served as a naval officer and later had a successful career in public relations. I had a husband and a beautiful, gifted daughter. I was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at my church.
I am also an alcoholic who lost it all. I lost my sense of self, my voice, my family, and my God. But God didn’t lose me. God never loses us. After 20 years and spending more time in a drunken stupor than conscious, God spoke to me, demanding that I pour out the alcohol and telling me that God had plans for me. With Jesus beside me, I poured all of it down the drain, and I’ve not had a drop of alcohol in nearly three years as I write this.
Now I’m in the process of rebuilding a relationship with my daughter, and I’m loving the bond I have with my two new grandchildren. I’m rebuilding other parts of my life too. I’m in the process of purchasing my first home. I’ve found strength and confidence in myself that I didn’t know existed, but God did. I’ve come to recognize that my relationship with God is the most important one in my life. I am like the prodigal son. And through it all, Jesus has remained at my side. He’s always been there. And I am forgiven.
Thought for the Day
I am loved and forgiven by God.
Prayer Focus
People struggling with addiction
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, thank you for your everlasting presence in our lives. May we find strength and peace in knowing that you are with us always. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 10th February 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
