Resting yet awake

Matthews gospel chapter 25 vs 1-5 tells the story of ten virgins. They all took their lamps and were waiting for the bridegroom. It goes on to say that five were wise and five were foolish. Five took no oil with them while the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom was delayed they all slumbered and slept.
One thing that Jesus taught over and again was the need to remain careful and alert in the things of God.
The Word of God tells that dangerous times will accompany the end times. Someone said: "To be forewarned is to be forearmed."
How is it possible to be resting yet awake?
The flesh grows weary while waiting and the flesh was exhausted.
Several factors contribute to the same state of drowsiness which grips many Christians today.
1. The delay of the 2nd Coming causes some believers to grow weary and lose patinece.
2. The increase in violence and ungodliness in the universe makes it easier to stay locked away in one's own little world of survival.
3. A general disinterest in spiritual matters makes it seem less and less worthwhile to continue to confront the increasing cynicism, pessimism, and unbelief that permeats our surroundings.
4. Continuous opposition from demonic forces takes its toll on the human frame.
WE ALL ARE SUBJECT TO BECOMING FATIGUED
Along with fatigue our temptation is to just give up the struggle and take it easy.
THere is an ANTIDOTE to this sense of apathy.
"A FRESH OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Read the following scripture passages, then pray to our Heavenly Father for HIS renewal in our lives.
Isaiah 28:11-12
Luke 24:49
Acts 1:7-8
Acts 2:1-4
Acts 10:44-46
Let the Word of God bring faith to your life. Ask God to fill and renew your spirit thereby finding rest and being awake. Most likely you will rest better and be more awake than you have been for a while. Do it today!

Walter Rose
Pastor