To the Girl Who’s Going Through the Motions

To the girl who’s going through the motions, but inside feels hollow,

It’s time to wake up. Whether you’ve been stuck in tradition, complacency, or have chosen to stay numb, life is too short for you to not be alert and engaging with the Lord. It can be tempting to not go deeper. Oh believe me, it can be so tempting. Staying hollow, staying laid-back, it can seem so safe. But as women (though this trait often gets attributed to men) we’re born for adventure. We’re born to make an impact, and above all, we’re born to live knowing we’re loved by God. He designed us to soak in His strength each and every day.

It’s Easy to Stay in the Shallows

We’re in a world that feels like it’s falling apart more than it’s coming together. I see the decay every time I turn on the news, open social media, or go out in public. It can be so discouraging. One of the hardest parts for me though, is watching others in the faith start to decay right along with it. The older I get and the more consequences for sin I see, the more compassion I’m filled with for those who are not living in accordance with the truth of God’s Word. Truly, it breaks my heart. My heart longs for them to know true freedom, the freedom found solely through Jesus Christ. I long for them to wake from their spiritual slumber.

The church of Sardis had fallen asleep toward God, so He gave them a message in Revelation 3:1b-3. And it’s a message we still need to hear today:

“I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.”

It’s Easy to Fall Asleep 

We live in a world that is one big slippery slope of compromise. At 29 years old, I have seen many slip down that slide, and honestly, it’s happened to me at points. But on the way down, the truth of God’s Word has woken me up and brought me back to solid ground. The heart of this letter is for those who are asleep, who have slipped, lost their foundation, and are currently living unrepentant, and for those who are on their way and simply do not realize it yet. These are the people I’ve heard yell about how much they hate their lives – I’ve held them as they’ve wept, and I’ve mourned with them when nothing seems to go right for them.

And once again, I find myself so thankful for the heart of God.

You see, sleep can come quickly. In the literal sense, we see it often: while watching a mid-day movie or show (happened to me today), setting your alarm for an early morning and then promising yourself you’re just going to close your eyes for 2 seconds and then waking up 2 hours later, etc. However, spiritual slumber can happen much that same way. You get cozy, you start to relax and take your focus off God, and the next thing you know, you’re heading down a path you could have never imagined. 

It’s Time to Wake Up

This letter reminds me of Ephesians 5:14-18

“‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

God wants to fill us. He wants to be our source. If you’ve been sleep walking down a path of complacency, thinking that because you’re from a certain family, church, or school that you’re safe, this is your warning. I’m throwing up a red flag begging you to wake up. Whether you are living in blatant sin or just not being intentional in your surrender, Jesus’ call is for complete repentance of our sin.The best time to turn and run right toward Jesus is now. The best part is, He wants you to have access to Him. He wants you to know Him. Wake from your slumber and be alive in Him.

Love your fellow church girl,

Laura

READ OTHER LETTERS IN THE SERIES