The Upper Room Devotional 21st February 2026 | An Unexpected Guide

The Upper Room Devotional 21st February 2026, Saturday Message

Today’s Reading
Deuteronomy 34:9-12

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

I have spent more than 30 years teaching children with behavioral disorders. But I think back to a time when I considered leaving the education field. Thankfully, God sent me a mentor and brother in Christ to help guide me during this uncertain time. Sonny was our school’s custodian, and one day he gave me a copy of The Upper Room. Afterward, Sonny would drop by my room each day and we would discuss the readings together.

I am grateful to God for sending Sonny as a mentor. I have continued a fulfilling career and now work with juveniles who were incarcerated. In addition, I’ve been given an opportunity to be a mentor to many co-workers. I give them The Upper Room just as Sonny did for me. Today, Sonny delivers copies of each issue to me so that I can give a copy to those I mentor.

God is unfailing when we need someone to help direct our path. In scripture God provided Joshua instruction through Moses to lead Israel to the Promised Land (Deut. 34:9). Elijah inspired Elisha, who assumed Elijah’s ministry (1 Kings 19:16). In what we might see as an impossible challenge, God is at work providing the direction we need to serve others.

Thought for the Day
For whom is God calling me to be a mentor?

Prayer Focus
Young persons who need guidance

Today’s Prayer
Dear God, guide our steps and direct our paths. Show us opportunities to grow and to be of service to you in unexpected ways. Amen.

The Upper Room Devotional 21st 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