The Upper Room Daily Devotional 5th February 2023 – Carefully Shaped
THE UPPER ROOM ROOM DAILY DEVOTIONAL
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 5th February 2023 by Beverly Taylor (Arizona, USA) As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: Carefully Shaped
TODAY’S READING
Jeremiah 18:1-10
I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. – Jeremiah 18:3-4 (NIV)
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 5th February 2023 MESSAGE
My neighbor has a beautiful tree, a spreading green canopy with a gentle shape. Its loveliness is no surprise because my neighbor is fully dedicated to caring for and shaping her tree. I have watched her gently clip any wayward tangled leaf or stem, choosing what cut will make the best shape. After a battering storm she vigorously prunes the broken or damaged branches. Watching this process for several years, I have realized it holds a significant spiritual lesson: God shapes our imperfect lives.
Just as my neighbor shapes her tree, God is molding me through everyday circumstances. God can use even shattering storms to do good work in me. I have experienced deep, devastating sorrow that ripped everything from me until all I could cling to was the simple belief that “Jesus loves me, this I know!” Through these crushing times I often wondered, How could all these difficult things possibly be working together for my good?
I am learning to trust that God is dedicated to forming me into a better version of myself. My neighbor’s tree is a beautiful reminder that God is carefully shaping me.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank you, Creator, for knowing just where we need your love to reshape our lives. Make us ready to do your work in the world. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God is reshaping my life day by day.
PRAYER FOCUS
My neighbors
The Upper Room 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
Salvation Prayer
Have you ever made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life?
If not, pray this prayer and start a new life in Christ.
Dear God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer for the first time, we would like to know. Click here to send us an e-mail or share your testimony.
