I am up long before the sun most mornings and I have come to recognize a special time that exists right before the new day dawns. There is a moment in time, between the night and the day, when the darkness fades but the sky has not yet seen the first rays of the sun. The world is hushed and still. Birds have not begun their morning songs and yet the crickets have long since stopped their chirping. It is as if in that moment the world is paused – listening and waiting for something. There is a sense of anticipation in the air as all of creation is silent. And then, God whispers its name and the world awakens with a shout of joy!

I am in that moment of waiting -- the quiet time between the past and the future. And I see from the words some of my blogging friends have written, they are too. As I read their stories, I join them in thankfulness for what God has already brought us through. We are not in the valley but we have not all reached the mountain top. Even though the time in between is calm and often peaceful, it is not always easy. Because our human nature wants us to reach our destination and obtain our goals quickly, the time in between can be frustrating, as if we are on the edge of something great that is just beyond our reach. But, it is a necessary time, this moment in between, when God prepares us for what is to come. It is a time of listening and waiting for His whisper that is sure to come.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, 
saying, 'This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

The time in between is when God teaches us patience and grows our trust in Him. It is a refining time when God continues His redeeming work in us. As we place our hope in Him and patiently wait for His voice, we can be sure that He will speak. His timing is always perfect. He alone knows when we are ready for the mountain top.

“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. 
If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3).

As I wait, I am trusting Him with joyful anticipation. I know that this time in my life, just like the quiet moment before the dawn, is a vital time. I welcome His hand on me as he shapes and grows me, preparing me for what is to come. One day soon I know I’ll hear His whisper saying, “Awaken, it is time.”

Living for Him,






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10 Comments

  1. What a beautiful, touching post!

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  2. Niki @ For Journey's SakeMarch 08, 2013

    This is beautiful and a most peaceful and relaxing part of the day. I love being able to get up before my kiddos and have quiet time with the Lord. Hubby and I have often watched the sunrise at different locations during our lifetime: the beach, mountains in Mexico, another mountain in Arkansas, Arizona, driving down the highway, and many other places. It is special to us. Thank you for this beautiful reminder of God's glorious creation.

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  3. Thank you, Virginia! I continually remind myself that God has me right where He wants me and He has a plan in all things! I am excited for where He is leading me!


    Blessings, Joan

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  4. Hi Niki!
    I first got into the habit of getting up before the sun when my children were in grade school. I wanted just a few minutes alone with the Lord before I started my day. Now, that time has become precious! Thanks for stopping by today and leaving your encouraging comment!


    Blessings, Joan

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  5. Hi Joan, wow, lovely post. Really what I needed to hear today. Thank you for the encouragement. God bless lovely lady
    Tracy

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  6. Thank you Joan! This truly encouraged my heart today. I feel like I've been waiting on God to move us on through this season for a few years now. He has brought us through so much already, and I know He will continue to be faithful. Blessings on your weekend!

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  7. I'm so glad the post encouraged you! I tend to get frustrated when waiting, but I need to remember that everything is in God's perfect timing!


    Blessings friend, Joan

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  8. Yes, God is always faithful! We can count on Him to carry us through whatever situation we find ourselves in. His timing is perfect!


    Blessings, Joan

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  9. Pamela KuhnMarch 10, 2013

    What an encouraging post! I'm finding myself there--waiting. In some regards, it's exciting. Anticipation, waiting for God's next plan and knowing it will be "beyond what I could ask or think."

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  10. It is exciting, and I am filled with joyful anticipation! I love seeing what God does!

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