Successfully Sleepless

Posted on August 21, 2007
Filed Under Provision, Trusting God, Goals, Fulfillment, Work |

Promptly, at 2:34 this morning, my eyes flew open and I knew they’d be open for a while . . . it wasn’t one of the fleeting things, and I immediately understood that. Marc is traveling, so falling asleep at all was the stuff of mythology. Yielding to my wide-open eyes, I grabbed my computer and decided to finish my article for the next (and long overdue) publication of this magazine. The subject matter is rather emotional for me, so I eventually finished it with my computer on my lap and tears streaming down my face. I look up and it’s 3:47. Great.

I lay in the quiet for a while, thinking, praying, asking and listening before I, once again, yielded - to sleep this time. As if that wasn’t enough, at 5:29, my dog Jack woke me up with the frantic look of “you’d better let me out right now” on his face and I, in my drunken, sleep induced-stupor heard myself say, “Lay down, Jack! Lay down!” Jack, in his wisdom, persisted, and I, in my wisdom, yielded.

After at least 7 minutes outside finding whatever the nature of the relief he needed, he came back inside and looked at me confused if whether we were going back to bed or to the laundry room where he has his breakfast. “Don’t even try it, buddy! Upstairs.” Who was I kidding? I think as I lay there, again, understanding that my eyes were open - for the day this time. You did say you were going to the gym this morning. You did say that . . . I yielded to my goal, put on my gym clothes, made some coffee, turned on my computer for the second time this morning, and am planning on going to workout as soon as I finish this blog.

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

I’m glad I yielded . . . see I’d been planning for daaaaaays to write my article, but found one excuse or the other not to make the time to do it. God made the time for me. This magazine is a part of His purpose for my life, and His purpose prevails. And, even before bed last night, I wondered, given a morning appointment, when I would have time to blog and meet my intention for this magazine. God made the time for me. That I’m faithful to this blog is His purpose for me, and His purpose prevails. The fulfillment of our plans rarely looks like we imagine . . . and God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, including make us grateful for a sleepless night.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed . . . even if you’ve only had a few hours sleep (my addition, obviously).

I hope you find success in all you do today, no matter the obstacles that present in your pursuit. I hope you rest in the sovereignty of God today; He’s got a purpose for your life. And, I hope I can last through the day . . . I’ve got a party to host tonight. Lord, do You have a plan for that too?

Peace and Blessings,

Nicole Walters