A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, May 27
- ontrakk
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
James 1: 2-5
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Isaiah 45:2
I will go before you
and will level the mountains;
I will break down gates of bronze
and cut through bars of iron.
Reading today’s scripture and devotion, I realized something about myself. I am quick to go to God to ask for help once I have messed something up, or when I find myself in a situation over which I feel (or am) powerless. But I don’t usually think to ask God to accompany me into situations, or to help me through something I haven’t yet begun. This is not a good reflection of my faith. God is not a life preserver for me to request when needed. I really should think of Him more as a life vest which I should wear at all times, and never take off. The words from Isaiah 45:2 remind me of this truth.
Holy Lord, you are with me always. Help me to remember to turn to you before I even begin. Amen
Becky, transforming
James 1:2-5 / Isaiah 45:2
My first thought was, “ consider it pure joy” when facing trials… really?
The joy comes from the fact that God is at work in when we are struggling. Sometimes this is easier said than done and that’s where the perseverance comes in. Persistence and continued effort to put trust in God lights the way and gets us through. Dark times can help us grow spiritually, when we suffer, we can grow and strength from God is always there a nd readily available.
 Dear God, when life feels hard please help me to trust you, please give me the strength to keep going, and please help me to find joy in knowing you are…
James 1:2-5 Isaiah 45:2 When easy is hard
The Isaiah verse reminded me that the Lord is in front of me always. He is not behind me to catch me when I fall (although he will do that). He will make the hard things easier, Too often I feel (as Becky said) I call when I couldn't do what I needed to do. I didn't seek His help at the start becauser the road looked straight and easy. Only when it became crooked and difficult did I call on Him for help. I need to remember He wants me to know he is there right from the start.
Prayer: Gracious God, If I ask you for wisdom sooner, help m…
IDaily devotions (upper room)
Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
When easy is hard
(Focus those challenged by technology
Isaiah 45:2
“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron
I can relate to Today’s author. keeping up with modern technology in computers and iPhones. Many scripture verses are difficult for me to understand as well. Why didn’t they talk plain English. (Break doors of bronze, cut through the bars of iron). In plain language, this means God promises to remove every obstacle in our way. It takes incredible faith,much like the apostles in the Bible. After reading more verses I understood the above logic…
James 1: 2-5/isaiah 45:2
James’ challenge regarding trials, to “consider it all joy,” is admittedly difficult for me. The experience of the Upper Room contributor hit close to home. My relationship with technology is prickly. I rely heavily on it for all kinds of tasks, but am intensely frustrated by it nearly every day. Even though I may lack knowledge in this area, God has granted me enough wisdom to muddle through. Each problem that is overcome through wisdom, whether it is some stupid computer trick, stressful work situations or conflict with a loved one or close friend, is a concrete demonstration of how God’s prevenient grace goes before us to “level the mountains, break down gates of bronze and…