The Upper Room Daily Devotional July 3, 2023
The Upper Room July 3, 2023 Daily Devotional, Monday Message by Nancy Robinson (New Brunswick, Canada)
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TOPIC: Stepping out in Faith
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 10:37-42
KEY VERSE: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
MESSAGE: I wiped my tears as I hurried to my car after leaving the senior-care facility where my mother lived. She was 89 years old and had dementia. My heart was aching after saying goodbye; I didn’t know when I’d see her again. My husband was an Anglican priest and had accepted a call to serve in a parish almost five hours away. I would no longer be able to visit my mom every day as I’d done for the past few years.
I loved my mother so much it hurt. Although she no longer spoke, she still recognized me when I visited. Her eyes lit up when she saw me, and she would touch my hair and adjust my scarf or necklace. I worried she wouldn’t get the same care without me around, and I was afraid she would forget me.
Walking away from my mother to serve the Lord was a sacrifice. It took courage, faith, and a deep trust in God’s promises never to leave me or her. Even when we cannot be present to care for our loved ones, God’s presence holds them and doesn’t let go. In response, we can step out in faith. We can entrust our loved ones to God’s care and have confidence that God will strengthen us for our journey.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for caring for us and our loved ones. Give us strength to follow your call and serve you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When God calls me to serve, I will trust God’s promises and follow.
PRAYER FOCUS
People with dementia and their loved ones
The Upper Room July 3, 2023 Devotional Message, 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.
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