What Happens at 4AM?
I want to share a testimony with you. A testimony of the power and importance of daily prayer and intimacy with The Lord. A testimony of how waking up at 4am has strengthened my relationship with the Lord.
I came into this month with a renewed energy and focus. I was fired up driving to our new home in Honduras. That fire was quickly put to the test. My first week in Honduras was rough. I was put in so many uncomfortable situations (answered prayer), I was doing something different every single day and the constant adjustments were exhausting. I was stretched as a leader trying to fight for my team, myself and for my relationship with God.
I was overwhelmed, and as a result I had some failures. (Which is good)
Also as a result my priorities were out of order. I was putting community, and ministry before God. Once I realized this I said to myself, “This ain’t gunna fly”.
I knew I had to make some changes.
So I fought. I fought for my relationship with God. (He’s worth it.)
My first step was to pray, and repent for not keeping God first. Then, I turned to the scriptures. My father gave me 7 verses to meditate on.
1 John 5:21- Dear children, keep away from anything that might take Gods place in your hearts.
Mark 1:35-“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Mark 6:31-“Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.”
Joshua 1:8-“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
Ephesians 5:15,16-“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”
Revelation 2:3,4-“You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!”
Matthew 10:22,23-“And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.”
After meditating on these scriptures I had some serious convictions. I knew I had to make some adjustments.
I decided to fast from coffee, to fully rely on God to provide my energy. – and he has!
I decided to limit my phone/wifi usage.
I decided to wake up at 4am everyday and go to an isolated place to pray.
Sleep and wifi were getting in the way of my intimacy with the father. So I gave them up for Him because he’s worth it!
So what do I do at 4am?
I struggle to wake up, and I stumble to an isolated room in our house to be alone with God. I invite God to be with me. I sit and surrender everything to Him. And I listen. I pray for my team, family, friends and whatever else comes to mind. I worship and give thanks.
Let me tell you folks, I crawl into that room like an infant, but I walk out a warrior! A warrior standing firm in his armor.
Since I’ve sacrificed extra sleep to be with God, he’s given me a new energy!
I gave up the 20 minutes of scrolling on my phone to be with Him and meditate on the word, and he’s blessed me with new vision and insight in my surroundings!
I’ve felt the Lord empower me with an authority over my days. An authority that says I can choose joy and peace in the midst of chaos. An authority that says I have insight from The God of the universe and I can make wise decisions quickly.
I’m still growing and I still fail often. I just wanted to share this testimony of prayer with you all. Put God first and allow Him to work through you. He’s unstoppable and in Him, nothing can defeat you!
There is a beautiful image in waking up before the sun to pray.
I walk in that room at 4am and it’s pitch black, I can’t see. By the time I walk out, the room is filled with sunlight and I can see so clearly. Coincidence? I think not! All glory to God my provider and sustaine. Hallelujah!
