Energizing Your Spiritual Journey
Awaken to God’s Light and Revive Your Faith
Are you feeling lost or stuck in your spiritual journey? Do you feel like you’ve been sleeping, going through the motions without really waking up to the joy and beauty of the life God has for you? If so, let this blog encourage you because the Lord is calling you to wake up to his light and glory.
As it says in Ephesians 5:14, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (NIV). Paul’s words here are an invitation to you and to anyone who feels stuck in their faith, to all who long for something more. It’s an ask to leave behind the darkness and enter into the light of Christ.
Let go of the old and embrace the new.
Saul’s salvation story is one powerful example of spiritual awakening in the Bible. Saul, a devout Pharisee who zealously persecuted Christians, believed he was doing God’s will. While he traveled the road to Damascus, he had a dramatic encounter with Jesus Christ, who asked him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me” (Acts 9:4 GNT)?
Blinded by the light and led to Damascus, Saul fasted and prayed for three days there. During that time, he received a vision from the Lord and was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was baptized and began preaching about Jesus, completely changing his life and his mission.
Saul’s story demonstrates even the most devout and zealous people can experience a spiritual awakening and turn their lives around. Like Saul, we may think we’re doing God’s will, but sometimes we need a dramatic wake-up call to show us the truth.
No matter how far we may stray from God, He always waits for us to return to Him.
If we repent and turn back to God, He will open His arms and welcome us back into His family.
So how can you awaken to the life God has for you? Here are six steps you can take:
- Repent
Repentance is the first step towards awakening. It’s the acknowledgement that you’ve been living in darkness and that you need God’s help to change. “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19 ESV). Confess your sins to Him and ask for his forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
2. Surrender
Once you’ve repented, it’s time to surrender to God’s will. Surrender your desires, your plans and your fears to Him. Trust that He has a good plan for your life, even if it’s different from what you expected.
Surrender isn’t something you do once and done; instead, it’s a daily recommitment. Galatians 2:20 says, “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me” (GNT).
3. Seek God’s Word
The Bible is the living, breathing Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Not only can it ignite your heart and awaken your Spirit, but it feeds your soul with spiritual nutrients that sustain you. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 GNT). Read it, meditate on it and apply it to your life. Let the truth of God’s Word fill your heart and transform your mind.
4. Pray
Luke 21:36 says, “Keep awake then and watch at all times [be discreet, attentive, and ready], praying that you may have the full strength and ability and be accounted worthy to escape all these things [taken together] that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man” (AMPC). Spend time in prayer every day, talking to God and listening for His voice. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and to guide you on your journey.
5. Fellowship
Surround yourself with other believers who can encourage and support you. Join a church or small group where you can worship, learn and grow together. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (ESV).
6. Be Accountable
Accountability is an important aspect of any pursuit, including the pursuit of spiritual awakening. Here are a few ways you can seek to be more accountable in your pursuit:
- Find an Accountability Partner
Find someone you trust who is also seeking spiritual growth and ask them to be your accountability partner. Meet with them regularly to share your progress, challenges and victories, and to pray for each other.
- Join a Small Group
Join a small group at your church or in your community where you can connect with other believers and discuss your spiritual journey. This can provide you with a supportive community and a sense of accountability to others who share your goals.
- Set Goals
Set specific, measurable goals for your spiritual growth and write them down. Share your goals with your accountability partner or small group and ask them to hold you accountable to them.
- Track Your Progress
Keep a journal or use a spiritual growth app to track your progress towards your goals. This can help you stay accountable to yourself and to others and can also provide encouragement as you see how far you’ve come.
Accountability is not about perfection or judgment. It’s about supporting each other in our pursuit of spiritual growth and helping each other stay on track.
Awakening spiritually is a process.
It may not happen overnight, but if you take these steps and seek God with all your heart, He will shine his light on you and awaken you to the fullness of life He has for you.
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