The Upper Room Devotional – 21st November 2025: A Sign

THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 21ST NOVEMBER 2025, FRIDAY MESSAGE

A Sign
Brian Foster (North Carolina, USA)

Today’s Reading
1 Kings 19:11-18

After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. – 1 Kings 19:12 (NIV)

I once had an old bicycle with a broken pedal. I needed to go to a bike shop to find the right replacement. I knew there was a shop nearby, but I could not remember the name or location. After some research, I found the shop and made the trip there. The road to the bike shop was one that I traveled frequently. As I approached, I noticed a giant billboard advertising the shop with directions that read, “turn here.” Shaking my head, I thought, How many times have I passed that sign and never noticed it? It was hard to miss.

After laughing at myself, I wondered how many times I have missed God’s signs for me. I often pray for something and try to wait patiently for God’s response. But perhaps God has already responded, and I’m just not focused on the right thing. I often look for an answer that makes sense to me, but God’s response may be unexpected. In today’s scripture reading, God wasn’t in the earthquake or fire, God was in the whisper. We don’t always know how God will answer us, but God will answer, even if it’s how we least expect.

Thought for the Day
God’s presence is all around me.

Prayer Focus
To be alert for God’s signs

Today’s Prayer
Dear God, may we approach you in prayer with confidence, understanding that you hear us and know our hearts. Give us the patience to wait faithfully for your response. Amen.

The Upper Room Devotional 21st November 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