All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious, and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak – Matthew 26:41 AMP.

As we approach the end of the year, there’s the tendency to get overwhelmed with meeting up with work targets, family budgets, personal goals for the year, etc.  These pursuits as good as they are, can leave many believers spiritually bankrupt – cold and lukewarm. This is unlike at the beginning of the year where believers are trying to partner with God in prayer and fasting – seeking His face for what lies ahead of them in the year. It is to this end that Jesus charges us to keep awake. The enemy’s sting catches the believer when he or she is completely off-guard. The charge to stay awake is to all – Pastor, General Overseer, Husband, Wife, Children, etc.; and it is a ‘must’, according to our scriptural text. As much as we’re busy with other things, Jesus exhorts us to give strict attention and be cautious about our spiritual lives. It is easier for all other things to fall in place when we have a balanced and healthy spiritual walk with God. On the other hand, everything falls apart when we’re spiritually bankrupt.

The enemy’s sting catches the believer when he or she is completely off-guard.

In keeping awake, we must stay prayerful. The two go together. One of the ways by which we keep alert is by prayer (1 Peter 4:7). And one of the reasons Jesus gave for watching and praying is to be able to evade temptation. Each day has a lineup of temptations that are meant to test our faith, but Jesus said, by being watchful and prayerful, we will be able to overcome them. It is for this reason that we need to stir ourselves in the place of prayer for our families, the Church, nations, and the world at large. Your ability to be able to effectively intercede for others will be largely dependent on your personal spiritual fervor; therefore, the need to keep awake. We also need to keep awake because the coming of the Lord is near. Jesus said, “Lest coming suddenly, he finds you sleeping. And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch!” – Mark 13:36-37  

Each day has a lineup of temptations that are meant to test our faith, but Jesus said, by being watchful and prayerful, we will be able to overcome them.

Finally, can you do a sincere self-check of your spiritual health? Is your spiritual guard down?  Are you pursuing frivolities at the expense of the pursuit of God? Are you already spiritually asleep amid so much endless activities?  The Lord beckons, “…, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” – Ephesians 5:14. The Lord is committed to keeping you as you resolve to stay spiritually awake. Be blessed!

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