September 12: Wake Up – Awaken to God’s Call
Wake Up – Awaken to God’s Call
Main Verse
"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." – Ephesians 5:14
As women, it’s easy to slip into “autopilot.” Between caring for others, carrying responsibilities, and striving to meet expectations, we can unknowingly drift into spiritual sleep. Our hearts get tired, our dreams feel buried, and our walk with God can feel quiet.
But Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:14 are like an alarm clock for the soul: Wake up. It’s not just about getting out of bed in the morning—it’s about shaking off spiritual drowsiness and stepping fully into the life God has for us.
Think of the women at the tomb in Luke 24:1–10. They went expecting to care for a dead body, but instead they were met with resurrection life. They were the first to hear the announcement: “He is not here; He is risen!” They woke up to a whole new reality—and they ran to tell the others.
God is calling us to awaken, too. To rise from places where discouragement, distraction, or doubt have lulled us to sleep. To remember that Christ’s light is not only for us but meant to shine through us
The people I work with are my family. I pour my heart into the students, teachers, and other staff God has placed in my life.
Every summer, instead of slowing down, I spend countless hours planning for the next school year—new lesson ideas, improved systems, ways to encourage teachers, and strategies to reach struggling students.
Recently, while in the middle of preparing for another busy year, I felt both excited and exhausted. As I read Ephesians 5:14: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you,’ I feel like God is whispering, ‘Don’t just prepare classrooms—prepare your heart.’
In all my striving, I have been spiritually weary. My focus has become making sure everything is “just right” for the school, but I haven’t been filling myself with God’s Word and presence.
My prayer now is, ‘Lord, awaken me—not just to a new school year, but to Your presence in it.’
Lord, help me as I plan lessons and organize schedules. I see each task as an opportunity to serve You. Help me to start my mornings asking You to shine Your light through me—whether it’s in a meeting, in a conversation with a student, or simply in the joy I bring to the hallways.
Ladies, preparing for anything will feel different when we know we’re doing it with Christ, not just for Him."*
Reflection Questions
In what areas of my life have I been spiritually “asleep”?
As I prepare for this new season (school year, work, or personal goals), how can I prepare my heart as much as my plans?
How can I see my work, home, or ministry as an assignment from God rather than just a responsibility?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for lovingly calling me to wake up. Forgive me for the times I’ve poured myself into tasks while neglecting my soul. Awaken my heart to Your presence, Your Word, and Your call on my life. As I prepare for new seasons, help me to prepare my spirit first, knowing that Your light will shine through me in the work I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." – Ephesians 5:14
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| Arlene McLoed Kings Seventh-day Adventist CHurch |
As women, it’s easy to slip into “autopilot.” Between caring for others, carrying responsibilities, and striving to meet expectations, we can unknowingly drift into spiritual sleep. Our hearts get tired, our dreams feel buried, and our walk with God can feel quiet.
But Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:14 are like an alarm clock for the soul: Wake up. It’s not just about getting out of bed in the morning—it’s about shaking off spiritual drowsiness and stepping fully into the life God has for us.
Think of the women at the tomb in Luke 24:1–10. They went expecting to care for a dead body, but instead they were met with resurrection life. They were the first to hear the announcement: “He is not here; He is risen!” They woke up to a whole new reality—and they ran to tell the others.
God is calling us to awaken, too. To rise from places where discouragement, distraction, or doubt have lulled us to sleep. To remember that Christ’s light is not only for us but meant to shine through us
The people I work with are my family. I pour my heart into the students, teachers, and other staff God has placed in my life.
Every summer, instead of slowing down, I spend countless hours planning for the next school year—new lesson ideas, improved systems, ways to encourage teachers, and strategies to reach struggling students.
Recently, while in the middle of preparing for another busy year, I felt both excited and exhausted. As I read Ephesians 5:14: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you,’ I feel like God is whispering, ‘Don’t just prepare classrooms—prepare your heart.’
In all my striving, I have been spiritually weary. My focus has become making sure everything is “just right” for the school, but I haven’t been filling myself with God’s Word and presence.
My prayer now is, ‘Lord, awaken me—not just to a new school year, but to Your presence in it.’
Lord, help me as I plan lessons and organize schedules. I see each task as an opportunity to serve You. Help me to start my mornings asking You to shine Your light through me—whether it’s in a meeting, in a conversation with a student, or simply in the joy I bring to the hallways.
Ladies, preparing for anything will feel different when we know we’re doing it with Christ, not just for Him."*
Reflection Questions
In what areas of my life have I been spiritually “asleep”?
As I prepare for this new season (school year, work, or personal goals), how can I prepare my heart as much as my plans?
How can I see my work, home, or ministry as an assignment from God rather than just a responsibility?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for lovingly calling me to wake up. Forgive me for the times I’ve poured myself into tasks while neglecting my soul. Awaken my heart to Your presence, Your Word, and Your call on my life. As I prepare for new seasons, help me to prepare my spirit first, knowing that Your light will shine through me in the work I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Amen!
ReplyDeleteAmen
ReplyDeleteWow! Wake me up Lord. Amen
ReplyDeleteAmen 🙌🙏.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Food for thought for sure!
ReplyDeleteI was so blessed by this devotional reading. Thank you God for sending me this message through my Sister.
ReplyDeleteAmen
ReplyDeleteAmen 🙏 🙏
ReplyDelete