The Upper Room Devotional 28 May 2026, Thursday Message
In God’s Perfect Timing
Christina Ryan Claypool (Ohio, USA)
Today’s Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit — fruit that will last — and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” – John 15:16 (NIV)
I struggle with asking others for help, even though my sister believes people want to help if you let them know what you need. Last year, while hosting a garage sale alone, circumstances caused me to test her theory.
An elderly woman purchased a wooden end table and required assistance putting it in her car. I was frustrated that I couldn’t help her because arthritic joints have kept me on crutches in recent years. In desperation, I asked a stranger who had just bought a vintage coffee pot, “Could you please help this woman?”
The man thrust his shoulders back and swooped into action, single-handedly lifting the heavy table. When the task was complete, I thanked him profusely. He walked away clutching the coffee pot and looking rather proud of himself.
Quite frequently, we forget to pray and to ask our benevolent heavenly Father for help when we need it. We carry around our daunting problems, fearful that our needs will go unmet. Yet when we pray, we can trust with gratitude that God will answer. God loves us more than we can imagine. God will give us what we truly need, often in mysterious ways, if only we ask.
Thought for the Day
Receiving help graciously is a blessing to me and others.
Prayer Focus
Those fearful their needs won’t be met
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More on God’s Perfect Timing
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, when times are good, may we remember to thank you. When times are bad and we need help, may we remember to reach out to you, trusting that you will answer. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 28 May 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