THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 12TH JANUARY 2025, SUNDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 12th January 2025 written by Aldrin Nacu (Tarlac, Philippines)
TOPIC: Let God
Today’s Reading
Isaiah 55:6-13
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. – Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Today’s Message
I was a Catholic seminarian for 10 years. It had always been my dream to serve God and the church as a priest. However, after finishing my studies, I was not ordained. I was asked to take a leave of absence and explore life outside the seminary.
Upon hearing that I would not be ordained, waves of anger toward God came crashing over me, and I experienced a crisis of faith. I spent many sleepless nights thinking about my situation. I had done well in my studies; I prayed fervently and attended Mass piously. I thought I knew God to be gentle, loving, and compassionate, and surely such a God would not take away my dream of becoming a priest.
When I sat down and reevaluated myself, I realized that all along I had taken my eventual ordination for granted and had not let God be God in my life. I had grabbed the reins and taken control without truly asking God to guide me.
The past years have been a great blessing and an opportunity for me to know God more fully. I may not understand God’s will, but I am now comforted by the truth that God is in charge of my life. I do not need to understand God’s thoughts and ways to rely on God’s will for me.
Today’s Prayer
Lord God, we may not know what lies ahead for us, but we are assured of your promise that you will be with us every step of the journey. Amen.
Thought for the Day
I will release my control and trust in God.
Prayer Focus
People in seminary
The Upper Room Devotional 12th January 2025, 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