Awaken: Walking with Faith into the New Year
Have you ever felt stuck, like you were walking but not getting anywhere? Perhaps you’ve even felt spiritually asleep, going through the motions without a sense of purpose or connection. If so, you’re not alone. These feelings inspired the kickoff of our new series, Awaken, as we step into the year with a challenge to wake up spiritually and fully embrace what God has for us.
A Wake-Up Call on the Mountain
Last October, I had the privilege of summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. The climb to its 19,341-foot peak began at midnight, a grueling trek in the dark with every step becoming harder as the air thinned. During the ascent, something remarkable happened. One of our guides tapped my brother on the shoulder and said, “You need to wake up!” He was literally falling asleep while walking.
In many ways, this moment is a metaphor for life. It’s easy to lose focus, to sleepwalk through our days, even when we’re climbing the mountains God has called us to face. But there is beauty awaiting us if we persevere. A few hours later, the sun rose, revealing breathtaking views that made the struggle worth it. This experience echoed our theme verse for the year:
My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! — Psalm 108:1-2
Awe and Desperation: Keys to Awakening
What will it take to wake us up spiritually in 2025? Two things: awe and desperation.
Awe inspires us. Maybe you’ve felt awe in the beauty of creation, the faith journey of someone you admire, or a moment when God’s presence was undeniable. Awe reminds us of God’s greatness and draws us closer to Him.
Desperation motivates us. Sometimes life forces us into a place of dependence on God—whether through challenges in health, relationships, or circumstances. Desperation can lead us to surrender, to seek God with our whole hearts. If we lack awe, desperation can move us. If we lack desperation, awe can inspire us. Together, they awaken our faith and help us experience more of God’s power and presence.
Lessons from King Jehoshaphat
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced an unexpected battle. A vast enemy alliance was advancing, and there was no time to prepare. Understandably, he was afraid, but his fear led him to seek the Lord. He proclaimed a fast, gathered the people, and prayed:
“O our God, we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” — 2 Chronicles 20:12
Jehoshaphat’s response teaches us how to face spiritual battles. When fear strikes, we can let it push us closer to God. Seeking the Lord—making a clear path to Him through prayer and worship—is how we find the strength to stand firm in faith.
Moving Forward in 2025
This year let’s pray for God to awaken us. Let’s ask Him to awaken our desperation for Him, driving us to deeper dependence on His strength. Let’s also pray for a renewed sense of awe, marveling at His faithfulness, sovereignty, and love.
As Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah discovered, the battle belongs to the Lord. When we seek Him, trust Him, and worship Him, He moves in ways we cannot imagine. They praised God even before the victory, and He turned their battlefield into a place of blessing.
What if 2025 became the year we truly woke up? What if this year, one in ten people in our community came to know Christ? What if we created a culture of awakening that transformed lives and brought glory to God?
The journey may be challenging, but the view from the summit is worth it. Let’s awaken the dawn together.