Why We Need to Rekindle Our Faith and Restore Our Spiritual Foundations
Sometimes, it feels like the church—the community of believers—has fallen asleep at the wheel. We live in a fast-paced, distracted world, and it’s easy for our spiritual lives to slip quietly into the background. The message, “Wake up, strengthen what remains that is about to die,” is not just an old warning. It’s a wake-up call for all of us to pay attention, shake off the dust, and breathe new life into our faith.
What Does “Wake Up, Strengthen What Remains” Mean?
If you’ve ever felt like your faith is running on empty, this message might sound familiar. It comes from the Bible, where different passages urge us not to drift through life without purpose. Jesus asked His followers, “Who do you say I am?” and Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” That truth is supposed to be the solid rock on which our faith stands.
Over time, though, churches and Christians can lose sight of what really matters. Traditions take over, opinions get in the way, and sometimes, we just go through the motions. “Strengthen what remains” means taking whatever faith, hope, and love you still have—even if it feels small—and building on it. It’s about not letting the light go out, but instead fanning the flame until it burns bright again.
Why Is This Message So Urgent Today?
Let’s be honest: the world is changing quickly. Values that used to guide our communities are getting replaced by newer trends, and the church sometimes struggles to keep up. Well-known pastors like Charles Swindoll and writers such as R. T. Kendall have pointed out how the church has drifted away from its original purpose. Instead of standing strong, we’ve sometimes tried to blend in, hoping to stay relevant. But in doing so, we risk watering down the message of Jesus and losing sight of the good news He brought.
This isn’t just about big institutions—it’s personal. Every believer faces moments of doubt, boredom, or distraction. The call to “wake up” is for each of us, inviting us to come back to what really matters: a close, honest relationship with God.
What Does the Bible Say?
The Bible is full of reminders to stay alert and keep our faith alive. In Ephesians, believers are called “members of God’s household,” built on a foundation of truth, love, and unity. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes, “You are all children of light…so let us not sleep, but keep awake and be sober.” In other words, don’t get too comfortable or let life’s worries lull you into spiritual sleep.
The Bible warns about being tricked or led astray, too. It talks about the danger of forgetting the main message—salvation and grace through Jesus—and getting sidetracked by politics, money, or personal opinions. Only God forgives sins, and it’s His truth that should guide what we teach and how we live.
What Are Today’s Challenges?
In many places, people feel disconnected from church, or they see it as old-fashioned or out of touch. Some groups have started following “distorted gospels” that focus on wealth, success, or politics, instead of the simple message of Christ’s love and forgiveness. That’s why it’s so important to come back to basics—to the real, transformative message of Jesus.
How Can We Respond?
So, what can we actually do? Here are a few practical steps for anyone wanting to answer this wake-up call:
- Return to the Gospel: Make sure your faith is built on the real message of Jesus—His love, His sacrifice, His grace.
- Resist Pressure to Blend In: Don’t water down your beliefs just to fit in. Stand firm, even if it’s not popular.
- Seek Spiritual Renewal: Spend time in prayer, read the Bible, and worship. Let God reignite your passion for Him.
- Stand Up for Truth: It takes courage to speak the truth and live it out, especially when others disagree. But it’s worth it.
There’s Hope!
Even when it feels like faith is fading and the world is moving on, the promise of Jesus stands strong: “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” God’s love doesn’t run out. No matter how dark things seem, His light can shine through us. Paul writes, “The hour has come for you to wake up…the night is nearly over; the day is almost here.” This is a message of hope, not fear.
Conclusion: Shine Bright
To “Wake up, strengthen what remains” is to answer God’s invitation—not with anxiety, but with courage and joy. Each of us can choose to live with conviction, share God’s love, and bring light to the world around us. Our faith can thrive again, and the church can stand strong, if we’re willing to wake up and build on what remains.
So let’s rise up, dust off our faith, and let God’s truth shine through us—today and every day.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 