When God Gives You an Upgrade – A Penthouse Experience

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." – Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from You. Thank You for the blessings You give that far exceed what we ask or imagine. As we reflect on this “Penthouse Experience,” remind us that every elevation in our lives—whether seen or unseen—is a work of Your grace. Lift our eyes to see the view from where You’ve placed us, lift our hearts to trust You in every season, and lift our spirits to live in a way that honors You. May this time in Your Word inspire us to embrace the upgrades You bring, not for our glory, but for Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This past week, Star and I celebrated a milestone—44 years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that over four decades have passed since we said “I do.” Along the journey, we’ve seen the valleys and the mountaintops, the small rooms and the spacious places God has prepared for us. But this year, God gave us something extra special—not just in the physical sense, but in a way that spoke deeply to my spirit.

We were given the opportunity to stay in a penthouse suite—high above the noise, with breathtaking views, spacious rooms, and a sense of luxury that was above anything we had planned for ourselves. I couldn’t help but think, This is what it feels like when God gives you an upgrade.

The Penthouse experience wasn’t about money, status, or a room in a building—it was a spiritual reminder. God has been in the business of upgrading our lives all along. From the day we met, to the day we married, and through every chapter since, He’s been taking us higher—not always in a physical way, but in a spiritual, relational, and emotional way.

1. The Elevation Comes from Him

When you step into a penthouse, you realize you didn’t climb all those floors by your own strength—you were lifted. Spiritually, the same is true. Every elevation in our life as a couple—every blessing, every door opened—has been because God has been the one operating the “elevator.”

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." – James 4:10

2. The View Changes Everything

From a penthouse, you see things differently. You can spot beauty you missed from the ground level. Spiritually, when God elevates you, He gives you new vision—clarity about where you’ve been and where He’s taking you. In marriage, this has meant looking back and realizing that even the difficult seasons were part of a bigger, more beautiful picture.

"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights." – Psalm 18:33

3. The Space to Rest

Penthouse suites are often spacious—there’s room to breathe. In our marriage, God has brought us to seasons where He’s expanded our capacity to love, forgive, and trust. That “room” didn’t come without tests, but it’s been a gift.

"You have enlarged my territory." – 1 Chronicles 4:10b

4. The Reminder of Grace

The truth is, we didn’t deserve the penthouse. It was a gift. Likewise, the life we’ve lived, the love we’ve shared, and the blessings we’ve experienced are all because of God’s grace.

"From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace." – John 1:16

Reflection:

• Where has God “upgraded” your life recently—spiritually, relationally, or emotionally?

• How has your “view” changed as He’s taken you higher?

• What steps can you take to prepare for the next elevation He wants to give you?

Father, thank You for being the God who upgrades, elevates, and surprises us with blessings beyond what we could have imagined. Thank You for 44 years of marriage with Star, for the mountaintops and the valleys, for the moments of testing and the seasons of overflow. May we never forget that every “penthouse experience” is a gift from You, designed not only for our joy but for Your glory. Lift our eyes to see as You see, lift our hearts to love as You love, and lift our lives to the heights You’ve prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.