Awaken Again from a Sleeping Spiritual Body

Awakening again from a sleeping spiritual body is not something we do only once, but a process that needs to keep happening in the life of every believer.

There are seasons when we are eager and interested in digging into the Word, seeking to know what is on God’s heart, and loving our brothers and sisters in the faith. Yet there are also seasons when our spirituality falls asleep. When this happens, we usually find it hard to break free from our weaknesses, or we become too preoccupied with worldly things.

Sometimes we can become less sensitive to the decline of our spiritual condition within us. We do not realize whether our spiritual body is refreshed and healthy, or fast asleep. What are the signs of a sleeping spirituality, and how can we awaken it again?

Signs of a Sleeping Spirituality

1. finding it difficult to build a personal relationship with God through prayer and reading the Word
2. finding it difficult to be open with a mentor or spiritual community, perhaps because of insecurity or because you feel they cannot understand your situation
3. compromising with sin
4. feeling strong or feeling that your spiritual condition is fine, so there is no need to come to God or ask others for help

Falling asleep spiritually is a normal condition. However, if we let it continue or make no effort to rise again, it will affect many areas of our lives. We can be tempted to commit old sins. Our spiritual growth becomes stunted or dull, so that we do not bear the fruits of the Spirit.

How to Awaken from a Sleeping Spiritual Body

In the Bible, we can find figures who once fell asleep spiritually. One of them is Peter. Even so, he was able to rise again and become an influential figure in Christianity. Learning from Peter’s life, what did he do to refresh again

1. Build a Strong Foundation

Then Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this. 

But Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him. Then Jesus turned and looked at His disciples, and He rebuked Peter, saying: "Get behind Me, Satan, because you are not thinking about the things of God, but the things of man." 

– Mark 8:31-33

A strong foundation means we have a clear understanding of who God is and what His purpose is in our lives. Peter once experienced a condition where he did not know God well and did not understand the mission for which God came into the world.

When Jesus spoke about His death, Peter saw it only from his own point of view. He thought that Jesus’ death on the cross was the end of everything. In fact, Jesus had already spoken about His resurrection, but Peter did not pay attention, or perhaps had not yet fully understood His purpose and His words.

Remember the Purpose God Has Given Us

Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because Jesus said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.” – John 21:17

When Peter received his purpose from God, he became a different person. He understood the divine mission, that everyone could hear the good news and be saved. God wants Peter and us to be shepherds for His sheep! He wants us to grow and become more like His image. How can we understand God’s purpose in our lives if we do not have a good and consistent relationship with Him?

Today, we may not be able to hear God’s voice directly, but we can know God through His Word. Let us awaken our spirituality again by having a strong foundation in God. Practice consistency in meditating on and digging into His Word, and pray that God will keep growing our understanding of who He is.

2. Persevere

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18

Of course, it was not easy for Peter to carry out the mission God had given him. The church did not suddenly form; there were many processes that had to be gone through. Yet Peter did not give up. He kept persevering, training himself, growing, and doing his part earnestly. By understanding his mission well, when he fell or fell asleep spiritually, Peter was able to rise again by remembering his purpose and spiritual foundation.

Without embracing the process with perseverance, it would have been difficult for Peter to devote his life to God’s mission. So let us enjoy every process that happens. There is much we can learn in seasons when our spirituality is asleep, as well as when it has awakened again.

3. Community

The Lord’s disciples never walk alone. What made Peter strong was that he was supported by people with the same vision and mission. When you face life’s difficulties or heavy struggles, where do you usually go? Do you tend to close yourself off, or do you acknowledge your weakness and ask others for help?

If Peter had felt strong and struggled alone, he surely would have suffered. By sharing burdens, or simply expressing our complaints and concerns, we can be emotionally healthier. We also find it easier to stay focused on God’s purpose in our lives.

In community, we can feel safe. We can share with people we trust. We can also strengthen one another through prayer together, and ask one another for counsel. From community, we will gain strength to become spiritually encouraged again.

Falling asleep spiritually is normal. However, do not become complacent, much less forget to rise again. Have a right understanding of God, and know His purpose for your life. Keep persevering and do not struggle alone. Walk with a community that builds you up. Remember, God has chosen you and still chooses you, whatever your condition may be right now. Let us give our best to God! - Related Articles:

• Thirsting for God, Why Is It Necessary and How Can We Experience It?
• Self-Evaluation, Why Is It Necessary and How Do We Do It?
• Why and How Do We Love Jesus?
• It Is Time for Us to Become Mature Christians
• Becoming a Person Who Pleases God’s Heart