Blessed Before Breakfast: Meeting God Early in the MorningSample

Great Expectations

After years of struggling to be consistent in spending quality time with God first thing in the morning, I recently realized this practice is something I don’t even have to think about anymore. 

The streak counter in my Bible app shows I have a streak of almost 200 days. There have only been five days this year I haven’t used my Bible app to read God’s Word.

Even though this is now a permanent part of my morning routine, every day doesn’t “feel” the same. 

Some days I feel like I didn’t hear from God at all, or what I heard seemed very insignificant. 

I’d imagine David was thinking this one particular day when he received instructions from his father. On this day, David won his most well-known victory, his defeat of Goliath.

David got up early in the morning to do what his father had directed him to -- he was to take lunch to his brothers and see how they were doing. 

Maybe after receiving these instructions he was thinking, “Really dad? Surely there is something more significant you can tell me to do?”

I’ve had similar conversations with my heavenly Father after getting up early in the morning only to hear nothing that seemed significant.

That might be you right now. 

Maybe on day four of this plan, the luster, newness, or excitement of getting up early in the morning to spend time with God isn’t producing anything as significant as you had hoped.

Well, as you read the events in 1 Samuel 17, you’ll see that David’s insignificant instructions from his father put him smack in the middle of the battle lines and gave him an opportunity that changed his life.

Whether you feel like every morning is a mountaintop experience with God or not, I encourage you to wake up early with eager anticipation to follow God's directions, no matter how insignificant they seem.  

Be alert for opportunities to serve God in the least expected ways. 

And boldly take action, having great expectations for Him to produce significant victories in your life and those around you.

Today's Prayer

Father, in the morning, You hear my voice. In the morning, I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly for you to open my eyes to Your will, to Your direction, and for the giant-sized victories You have in store for me.

I hope you’re ready for day five, as we learn what happens when we make our time with God early in the morning a top priority.