Early In The Morning

So much happens in ministry behind the scenes….and I love it when God lifts that tiny corner of His Plan and I GET TO see a bit of it…. and then truly appreciate how He works through us when we least expect to see Him.

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to serve early and once again, I found myself remembering the sweet quiet of a few volunteers who were also moving through the building. 

So much happens in the bible “early in the morning”….

Genesis 19:27
And Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he had stood before Jehovah:

Genesis 20:8
And Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all his servants,

Genesis 28:18
And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put under his head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it

Genesis 31:55
And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them

Exodus 8:20
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh;

Exodus 34:2
And be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mount.

Joshua 3:1
And Joshua rose up early in the morning;

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O Lordyou will hear my voice; In the morning will I order my prayer to you, and will keep watch

I remember several years ago when God showed me His early servants. For some reason, my clock was “confused” and I woke up at 5am and left the house at 6am, unknowingly! One hour earlier than my normal routine. When I got to the church at 6:30am I was met with several of God’s “behind-the-scenes” volunteers:

Tom met me at the front door as he was already busy getting our building ready for Sunday – opening doors, carrying bulletins, setting out parking cones……helping me take apart and store the giant rainbow from the Volunteer Expo….all with a great big smile!

Jeff comes in the door next with a great big “Good Morning Sunshine!” as he arrives to prepare breakfast for our guests that rely on getting a yummy, hot breakfast when they come to church.

I get to the Shuttle lot and it’s raining. James is putting on his rain gear – coat and pants; picking up random trash and inspecting the lots.

The Shuttle arrives but it stops before getting into the parking lot. Mike gets out (in the rain) to set out more cones and Shuttle Parking Signs.

It’s like a silent, early morning “dance” as James and Mike work together to prepare for us and our guests.

I sit in my warm, dry car and say; “Thank you Lord for getting me here so early to witness your servants… early in the morning…”