Kam, these are crucial questions, and they deserve a heartfelt and convicted response. Let me address them plainly.
What makes me believe I am not spiritually asleep?I measure my wakefulness by aligning my life with Scripture and seeking to live in obedience to YHWH's commands. Being spiritually awake requires constant vigilance, repentance, and humility. I do not claim to be perfect or immune to failure, but I regularly examine my heart and actions in the light of the Word:
- Am I bearing fruit? Yeshua said in Matthew 7:16, "You will recognize them by their fruits. Grapes aren’t gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they?" If my life is producing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—then I trust that I am not asleep.
- Am I watchful and prayerful? Yeshua warned in Matthew 26:41, "Keep watching and praying, so that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." I strive to heed this instruction daily.
- Do I see the signs of the times? Being awake means discerning the world around us through prophecy and Scripture. If I remain blind to what is unfolding, I risk spiritual slumber.
Would I recognize His voice if I heard it?Yes, I believe so, because Yeshua promised in John 10:27, "My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me." Recognizing His voice requires familiarity. I spend time in prayer, Scripture, and reflection to ensure that when He calls, I know Him. His voice aligns with His Word, which is why I test everything against Scripture.
How do I stay vigilant?By constantly submitting to YHWH and asking Him to keep me from deception. I know that Satan prowls around like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), but if I cling to YHWH’s Word and Spirit, I can remain awake and discerning.
Kam, the truth is, none of us can afford to assume we are awake without introspection. I ask you: Are you measuring your life against the Word of YHWH? Are you testing the spirits and holding fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21)?
We are all called to be sober-minded and vigilant. May we both walk this path with eyes wide open and ears ready to hear His voice.
Shalom
