Hope, Light, and Renewal: Understanding God’s Call to Wake Up
A spiritual awakening is a moment in your life. You start to feel a new or renewed passion for God. Think of it as an alarm clock for your soul. Something stirs you. It makes you realize you want to know God more. You want to walk in truth and live differently. It’s not just for the “super religious” or pastors—it’s something God offers to anyone who will listen.
What Does the Bible Say About Awakening?
Let’s break down a few key Bible verses in everyday language:
· Ephesians 5:14 says, “Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” This means God doesn’t want you stuck in a rut or wandering through life on autopilot. When you “wake up” to Him, He fills your life with light and purpose.
· Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. If you’re tired or worn out, God can give you new energy and hope.
· Romans 12:2 tells us not to let the world squeeze us into its mold. Instead, let God transform your mind so you can see what’s really good and true.
· Romans 13:11 reminds us it’s time to wake up because our salvation is nearer than ever. In other words, don’t put off getting right with God.
· Luke 21:36 encourages us to stay alert and pray, so we’re ready for whatever comes.
What Does “Living in the Light” Mean?
Living in the light, according to Ephesians 5:6-14, means letting go of things that pull us away from God. This includes bad habits, harmful relationships, or empty promises. It’s about being honest with ourselves, seeking truth, and choosing to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. Light brings out the best in us: goodness, right living, and truth.
The Bible says not to let anyone fool you with things that aren’t true. Instead, test what you’re hearing and doing. Does it line up with God’s goodness? If not, it’s time to step away. When we expose what’s wrong, we make room for the light to come in and show us a better way.
Why Do We Need Awakening?
It’s easy to get comfortable, distracted, or even bored in our faith. Sometimes, churches focus more on programs, buildings, or money than on what really matters—a living, growing relationship with God. The biggest need isn’t for bigger crowds or fancier buildings. It’s for repentance (turning away from sin), revival (new life in God), and reformation (real change).
The church of Laodicea in the book of Revelation looked good on the outside. Yet, it was missing God’s fire on the inside. God wants us to have more than just the appearance of faith. He wants our hearts.
What Gets in the Way?
Sin. Sin is anything that pulls us away from God. This includes selfishness, pride, and dishonesty. It also means choosing our own way over God’s. Sin reduces our joy, weakens our prayers, and dulls our commitment to what matters most.
The good news? The cross is for everyone. Whether you’ve been in church your whole life, God offers forgiveness. Even if you feel like you’ve messed up too many times, His forgiveness is still available. He also provides a fresh start. All it takes is humility and a willingness to turn back to Him.
How Do We Experience Awakening?
Just as 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, if we humble ourselves, pray, and seek God’s face, God promises to hear us. We must also turn from our wrong ways for Him to heal us. Awakening isn’t about one emotional experience. It’s a daily choice to wake up. Open your heart to God. Let His light lead you.
· Admit where you’ve been asleep (numb, distracted, or far from God).
· Ask God to wake you up—to show you what’s real and true.
· Step away from habits or influences that keep you in the dark.
· Spend time with God, reading Scripture and talking honestly to Him.
· Let God’s love and forgiveness renew you, giving you strength for each new day.
No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you’ve done, God’s invitation to awakening is open. The cross is for you, too. Wake up, rise up, and let Christ shine on you—there’s more to this life than you ever imagined.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 