THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 23RD MAY 2025, FRIDAY MESSAGE
Read The Upper Room Devotional 23rd May 2025 written by Donyale Fraylon (Texas, USA)
TOPIC: Jesus, Our Healer
Today’s Reading
Mark 9:14-24
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24 (NIV)
In 2020 I met a man who was recovering from a double organ transplant. He joined our faith community, but because of the fragility of his condition he connected with us primarily through online worship, phone calls, and handwritten letters. Once a month he and I would meet to share conversation and Communion. He always marveled at his healing and reminded me that being alive is truly a miracle.
I think of those visits when I consider today’s reading and marvel at the restored life Jesus gave the child after his years of suffering. I am also amazed at another healing in the story — the restoration of the father’s faith. After witnessing his son’s pain since childhood, this parent found his faith wounded and in need of being made well. His heart-wrenching confession, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” led Jesus to have compassion on the father as well. He assured him with the faith-building words, “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
When challenges wound our faith, Jesus meets us with compassion and a willingness to help. Jesus restores our faith with his healing presence and life-giving words. He makes it possible for us to believe again and to know with deep assurance, “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for your compassion in our times of need. When life challenges our ability to believe, help us to trust your loving care for us. Amen.
Thought for the Day
There is no wound that the compassion of Jesus cannot heal.
Prayer Focus
Those awaiting organ transplants
The Upper Room Devotional 23rd May 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