Ability to Wait for the Hope

[S] Galatians 5:5-9 --

 ⁵For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.
 ⁶For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
 ⁷You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
 ⁸This persuasion did not come fromHim who calls you.
 ⁹A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.

[O] The hope God provides to me is attained through the Spirit, by faith.  This hope is not just a positive thinking  of what's to come but the hope of waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises.  And only when my hope is based on such a promise I can wait because if it were left on my own (or anyone else in fact) abilities then there is always a chance that it will never come true.  As verse 6 states, such a fulfillment cannot come through some actions or rituals but only through my exercising of love in faith.  In latter verses describe the opposing forces which hinders my ability to follow this truth in my life.  It penetrates into my life like a leaven -- slowly but surely. So I need to catch this early on and remove from my life otherwise the "whole lump" will be affected.

[A] Latch on to God's promise for my life and receive it as my hope.  Also, be careful of the hindrances coming my way gradually.  So, don't compromise in any of the principles God tells me to follow.  Through the Lent, giving up the morning sleep to have the devotion with Jesus has been quite encouraging and I'm praying this will be the right opportunity to tip the scale for me to make this a permanent pattern in my schedule.

[P] I ask You, Jesus, that through the Spirit please continue to encourage me to carry on with my schedule change of going to sleep early and getting up earlier to start the day with the sweet time in Your word.  I want to make this a permanent change in my schedule because I confess truly that I cannot life my life according to Your plans for me on my own without being plugged into You daily.  Thank You in advance.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.