—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (8 February, "The Cost of Sanctification")
Tempted to sleep in an extra hour this morning, but was gently reminded that while I've sometimes regretted sleeping in, I can't recall ever being sorry I rose early. This hypothesis is supported by today's evidence thus far.
Read Jesus' prayer in John 17 last night; think I'll stay there for a day or two (the fact that this morning's reading from Chambers is also rooted here is the kind of coincidence I relish). It's been one of the most powerful pieces of Scripture for me ever since it dawned on me that this is the prayer of the Son. Not a set of principles, commands, or goals to shoot for, but the very prayer of Jesus. The implications are staggering— everything written here must be fulfilled, will be fulfilled, has been accomplished and is being worked even now, by the power of the living God. It is His work, to His glory, for if I have no faith that the Son's prayer to the Father will be honored in full, then it is utter foolishness for me to ever be about the business of prayer whatsoever.
It's a good time for courage, wisdom, faith, and hope. Not that there's ever a bad time for these. Nice not to be in a hurry.