The Upper Room Devotional 8 June 2026, Monday Message
God’s Work in Progress
Abigail Roque (Bulacan, Philippines)
Today’s Reading
2 Corinthians 3:4-18
We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
“Think not what you can do for God but what God can do in you.” I will never forget these words so wisely advised by a retiring ministry leader at a general assembly I attended. I felt God was speaking them directly to me.
I was a new hire in ministry, but I had years of experience in other nonprofit work. I was full of ideas on how I could contribute. God revealed to me, however, that I wasn’t just full of ideas — I was full of myself. The man’s words reminded me that I was in ministry not only to work for God but for God to work in me — to teach me, mold me, and transform me.
All of us, no matter our experience, gifts, skills, and talents, are God’s works in progress. We’re always “being transformed into [the Lord’s] image with ever-increasing glory.” As servants of God, may our primary focus be the work God does in us, not simply through us. May we be humble enough to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s transforming work so that our ministry reflects the glory of the Lord.
Thought for the Day
God not only wants to work through me but in me.
Prayer Focus
Ministry workers
Today’s Prayer
Merciful God, even if we have been Christians for a long time, we are still far from being like Jesus. May we be open to your Spirit as it transforms us day by day. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 8 June 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
