THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 19TH AUGUST 2025, WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
Serving Where You Are.
Lori Carter (Washington, USA)
Today’s Reading
Jeremiah 29:4-7
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4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
KEY VERSE: The Lord said, “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. . . . Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” – Jeremiah 29:5, 7 (NIV)
A year ago, my husband and I moved to be closer to our two daughters. In making this move, I retired from my job as a professor. I had loved the interaction with colleagues and students, the research, and the challenge of teaching. So I planned to find volunteer work that felt challenging to fill my days.
Our parents, then in their mid-nineties, chose to move with us and moved into a nearby senior-living facility. My husband and I spent much time at the facility so I got to know the other residents. I began listening to their stories, remembering their birthdays, and teaching a weekly Bible study. After a while, I realized that I was again joyfully interacting with people, researching, and teaching right where God had put me.
In Jeremiah 29, the prophet relayed God’s word to the exiles in Babylon, telling them to assimilate into their new home. They were called to help the city prosper by using their skills to plant gardens and build houses. Jeremiah urged them to find meaning and good work right where God put them.
Today’s Prayer
Heavenly Father, change is hard. Help us to trust that you have good work for us to do wherever you put us. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God can use me right where I am.
Prayer Focus
People moving to a new town
The Upper Room Devotional 20th August 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
