The age-old adage “early to rise, early to shine” has been one of the most profound statements that has impacted my approach to life. Recently, I went into my children’s room to wake them up in the morning. As they struggled to wake up, I reiterated that statement to them. They woke up, and I got inspired as well.
Friend, you need to rise early. The problem for most people is not that they didn’t wake up, but that they woke up too late (Ephesians 5:16). If the devil can’t stop you, he’ll try to slow you down. If you don’t rise early, you may end up finishing late or not finishing at all. Nothing guarantees success like a good start (Psalm 90:12).
Rise early with God. Jesus understood the need to seize the morning (Mark 1:35). He often rose up early, long before dawn, to commune with God. I firmly believe that anyone can beat distractions and disturbances if they know how to rise early (Mark 6:31). You need to wake up before others.
Rise early to fulfil your purpose and destiny (Luke 2:49). Jesus, Joseph, and David all rose early to fulfil their purposes. Some things are better done in your prime. Some battles are better fought when you’re still young. Some demands are better dealt with when the energy of your youth is still there (Lamentations 3:27).
Rise up early to align with divine timing. Timing is crucial to life and destiny (Ecclesiastes 3:11). If you rise too late, it will appear as if you never rose at all. When a person is in sync with divine timing, people will mistake them for a genius. But when the timing is missed, people might think you’re not serious (Hosea 13:13).
Rise up in prayer. This year, pray like never before (Luke 18:1). Prayer isn’t just a key to success; it’s the key to success. It’s what makes other keys work. In prayer, you stay sensitive to God and His will. In prayer, you align spiritual forces to work in your favour. Rising up in prayer is rising up in power (Psalm 63:1-3).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria