The Upper Room Devotional 13th February 2026, Friday Message
Present in Our Pain
Sophia Bricker (North Carolina, USA)
Today’s Reading
Isaiah 38:9-20
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. – Isaiah 38:17 (NIV)
One summer evening, I flipped through my prayer journal filled with scribbled prayers, quotes, and drawings. The journal was from a time I had struggled with anemia, requiring multiple iron infusions.
At the time, everything seemed uncertain. How many more infusions would I need? Would I ever experience healing?
As I reviewed my old journal, I saw the little ways God displayed loving care for me: a kind word from a nurse, the beauty of a sunset, a much-needed Bible verse.
Hezekiah also experienced an illness that brought him closer to God. After receiving the news that he would not recover from a serious illness, the king sought God’s help through prayer. God answered by increasing Hezekiah’s life by 15 years.
Although seasons of sickness are painful, they often push us to seek God’s presence and help. We learn more about God’s faithfulness as we trust God in the uncertainty of each day. If we are open to God’s presence, we will also find that God is growing our faith. While we are in the midst of suffering, pain may affect our perspective. But when we take time to reflect, we will discover that God has been with us all along.
Thought for the Day
During times of affliction and suffering God never leaves me.
Prayer Focus
Those in lengthy hospital stays
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More from Sophia Bricker
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to be aware of your loving presence when we are suffering in sickness or distress. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 13th 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