August 18, 2015
Do You Struggle with Sleepy Faith Syndrome?
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
Abide in me, and I in you. (John 15:4a)
Friend to Friend
The first time I went to a drive-in theatre I was about six years old…in first grade. The motion pictures on the reel that night were not just exciting – they were epic. A double feature of Godzilla and Star Wars. It was a rare treat for our young family. With five kids and a school administrator’s salary, movies were a luxury.
The details of that evening are foggy, but there are several things that I remember. Daylight ended as Godzilla began. Dad went to get popcorn while mom spread a blanket out and helped the three oldest littles get to the best vantage point for the show: the roof of our station wagon. Pillows were handed up to the roof-perch and we settled in as freaky monsters took over the screen.
After the monster business finished, which I was less-than-thrilled by, I got cozy with my pillow and faced the screen belly down, toes in the air. I was ready for the force to be with me. Ready to experience an exciting adventure with handsome heroes, odd creatures, rowdy robots, and a brave, beautiful princess all from a galaxy far, far away.
Anticipation skyrocketed as the movie started and the music rose.
Oh, the music!
The Star Wars theme song elevated every ounce of my heart and stirred my eagerness into a barely containable tizzy. Do-do-do-dooooo dooo, do-do-do-dooooo dooo, do-do-do-dooooo dooo, do-do-do-dooooo! I was such a big kid on top of our station wagon watching a movie! And we had popcorn! Real movie theatre popcorn…that my older brother was hogging… {Anyhoo…}
As the battle between darkness and light began to heat up I met the main characters one by one: Luke Skywalker, princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, and, of course, the mean man in black, Darth Vader.
Aannnndddd then I fell asleep.
Missed most of the movie.
Woke up to mom telling me to climb down from the roof because it was time to go home.
Noooooooooo!
I’m still in therapy over that sleepy snafu. How could I possibly doze off in the middle of one of the most thrilling nights of my entire six-year existence? My heart hung low with disappointment. I was there, but I missed the movie marvelousness.
Sigh.
It doesn’t take a napping nightmare for us to fall asleep during the marvelousness you know. Sometimes I fall asleep to the vibrant connection between God and me because I get lazy, too tired, or too busy to pray. I get too comfortable with a sleepy faith and doze, doze, doze while my Bible collects dust. I get distracted by matters that will fade like flowers and whither like grass. My soul yawns and runs all around town wearing jammies and fuzzy slippers.
Have you been there? Join me today in a soul mutiny against sleepy faith!
Jesus wants us to connect with Him continually. To abide in Him. He called out the complacency of the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3, and He calls us beyond lukewarm living to a vibrant, white-hot faith so that our lives can be maximized for His glory! And He extends grace – even to us sleepy faith girls. “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:19-20)
I want every ounce of marvelousness I can wring out from this day – which can only happen when I connect my soul to Jesus. I want a faith that is wide open and fully awake to the glory of God! Are you with me?
Let’s Pray
Holy Father, Please forgive me for the times when I doze off to Your glorious presence. Thank You for being a God of restoration and relationship. Thank You for Your Word and Your kindness that leads me to repentance. Help me to be fully alive to Your love and leading today.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Okay, girlfriend. Today I challenge you to mobilize your faith in a fresh way by doing 3 things: Read John chapter 15. Journal a prayer in response. Share a verse or thought about this on my Twitter feed, my Facebook page or my blog. {Are you up for the challenge?}
More from the Girlfriends
GWEN SMITH is a speaker, author, worship leader, and songwriter who wants to help you think big thoughts about God – and inspire you in the grace and truth of Jesus. Her website is filled with videos, posts, songs, and resources that will be a deep well of encouragement to you. (Get 3 FREE song downloads when you sign up for her blog!)
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Girlfriends in God
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Originally published Tuesday, 18 August 2015.
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