THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 4TH OCTOBER 2024, FRIDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: Lifeliness
Today’s Reading
Jeremiah 29:11-13
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Our twin granddaughter and grandson were born ten weeks early during an emergency procedure. They weighed two pounds, ten ounces and three pounds, respectively. Within hours of their birth, they were transported to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a larger hospital. Multiple wires and tubes attached to their tiny bodies monitored their vital statistics and helped them breathe and take nourishment. These lifelines kept the twins alive for two months until they could survive on their own.
During this frightening time, I also had lifelines that sustained me. My relatives, friends, and church family checked on the babies’ progress daily and offered many prayers for them, their parents, and the hospital staff. I have never prayed as fervently or as often as I did during those months. I told myself over and over that “God’s got the little bitty babies in his hands.” This thought brought much comfort to my anxious soul.
When we are in a terrifying situation, we may forget to pray or we may turn to prayer as a last resort. But prayer offers us assurance that God is with us, caring for us through it all. God not only wants us to survive; God wants us to thrive!
Today’s Prayer
Healer God, we trust that you have plans for our present and future. Thank you for caring for us and being with us always. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Prayer assures me that God is with me.
Prayer Focus
NICU patients and staff
The Upper Room Devotional 4th October 2024, 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