THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 19TH JUNE 2025, THURSDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 19 June 2025 written by Matthew Fleitas (Texas, USA)
TOPIC: Against the Odds
Today’s Reading
1 Samuel 17:40-50
David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing him; there was no sword in David’s hand. – 1 Samuel 17:50 (NRSVUE)
At the start of my freshman year of high school, I was one of about 60 boys trying out for the basketball team. Only 20 players would be chosen. I was one of the shortest boys trying out and did not have as much experience playing basketball as the others. I could sense the doubt that the other boys and even the coaches had when they first saw me.
Throughout the week of tryouts, I practiced and played to the best of my ability. It was hard not to doubt myself. However, I tried to remember that God was giving me strength each day. I put my trust in God’s plan for me, and I made the team!
Like David’s story in 1 Samuel 17, I realized that we will all face challenges or obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. We may be discounted by others, but we can always trust that no matter what we might face, God is with us every step of the way. If God empowered David to defeat Goliath, God can also give us the strength to triumph over anything that stands in our way.
Today’s Prayer
Thank you, God, for giving us the strength to overcome any obstacle in our path. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God gives me strength when I think I have none.
Prayer Focus
Young athletes
The Upper Room Devotional 19 June 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