The Upper Room Devotional 3 May 2026, Sunday Message
Yet We Prayed
Carol Peter (Gujarat, India)
Today’s Reading
Habakkuk 3:16-19
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. – Habakkuk 3:18 (NIV)
In her first week of life my daughter had seizures, but the doctors could not find a cause. My husband and I were filled with anxiety as we contemplated her uncertain future. One day we both wept and prayed, “Lord Jesus, she is your child. We know you love her more than we possibly can. We will accept whatever outcome you decide.” My husband and I were terrified that our child would have a poor outcome. And yet we prayed and relinquished her to God’s care, knowing that, whatever the outcome, God would be with us.
Habakkuk was a prophet at a difficult period in Jewish history. The king was wicked, and the people worshiped false gods. They were facing an economic crisis and attacks by Babylonian soldiers. Habakkuk was in despair, yet he prayed, proclaiming that God was in control. Even if the crops failed and livestock died, he would rejoice in God’s strength and salvation. In the end, Habakkuk was convinced that he could trust God’s care, no matter how bleak the circumstances appeared.
My family also faced difficult and confusing circumstances following our daughter’s birth. And yet, like Habakkuk, we prayed a prayer of humble submission, trusting our daughter to God. Ultimately our daughter recovered with medication. Thanks be to God!
Thought for the Day
I can rejoice even in bad circumstances because God is with me.
Prayer Focus
Parents of sick children
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, we accept whatever challenges arise because we know that your strength is with us. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 3 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