My mind fought to preserve its state of oblivion. I resisted waking to face the day.
My to-do list included answering an email from a fellow believer. But my trust was broken. I dreaded the battle of choosing the right words, wanting instead to let them spew. I turned over, vowing to let sleep take me.
Somewhere in my morning stupor, a question came to mind. Did Jesus dread getting up in the morning? My eyes opened. I puzzled over an answer, but more questions came.
Did Jesus know in the groggy morning darkness that religious leaders would disrespect Him that day? Demand a sign? Did He know before He opened His eyes a rich young man would turn away? That nine lepers would forget to say “thank you”? That people would follow Him in case He served free lunch again?
As I smelled the coffee brewing, my thoughts turned to prayer. Lord, what made you get out of bed? His answer was “love.” I wished I could delete 1 Corinthians 13 from my mind, but I rose to read it. After morning rituals, including prayer, I sat at my computer and opened my email.
Love perseveres. A tough assignment. Sleep doesn’t necessarily prepare us. Only prayer, surrender to the Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit give us the grace.
Why do we dread getting up some mornings? We tell ourselves we need more sleep. Maybe we need more love. I’m asking Jesus to train me to say love perseveres when I awaken. Join the training.
Take a few minutes to think about the people you will interact with today. Ask the Savior for power to wake up and love them.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and WorthyOfElegance.)
(For more devotions, visit us at www.christiandevotions.us.)
Sondra Dron loves to share her journey of intimacy with Jesus, especially with children. Her passion is to encourage them to seek Him with their whole being and to serve Him only. She has served in children’s ministry since her teen years. She is an active member of Word Weavers in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband David.