Awake from Slumber: Stop Seeking Results Without the Process

In our spiritual journey, many of us have grown complacent. We desire blessings, manifestations, and results, but we are unwilling to invest in the discipline, knowledge, and preparation required to achieve them. It’s like expecting to meet Lionel Messi and magically become a world-class footballer after a handshake, without ever practicing, training, or understanding the game. Or aspiring to be an astronaut while refusing to study the sciences, mathematics, and physical conditioning that the profession demands.

This kind of thinking is not only unrealistic but deeply flawed. And yet, this is how many Christians live today—seeking spiritual rewards without embracing the process of spiritual growth. It’s time to awake from slumber and face the truth: growth comes through effort, sacrifice, and intentionality.

The Bible confronts us with this question: “Who goes to war without first counting the cost?” (Luke 14:28). This is not a rhetorical question; it is a direct challenge. Are we truly prepared for the spiritual battles we face, or are we trying to take shortcuts? Now is the time to take an honest look at our lives and recognize where we have been lazy, distracted, or slothful in pursuing God’s will. There is no room for half-heartedness in the kingdom of God. The call is clear: it’s time to awaken, take responsibility, and realign our priorities.

One of the most dangerous pitfalls for Christians is seeking the rewards of faith without first gaining the knowledge that enables those rewards. Hosea 4:6 warns us plainly: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” This isn’t just a warning; it’s a reality we see all around us. Many are struggling, stagnant, and powerless because they refuse to do the work of studying God’s Word and growing in understanding.

Let’s be clear: you cannot expect God to entrust you with spiritual power or authority if you lack the foundational knowledge of His Word. Imagine asking for a high-paying job without the qualifications or trying to build a house without a blueprint. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. The Bible says, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Knowledge is not optional—it is essential.

Another glaring issue is the lack of prayer in many Christians’ lives. We want to experience God’s presence, hear His voice, and see His power manifest, but we don’t want to invest in a consistent prayer life. This is spiritual negligence. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is the foundation of our relationship with God. Without it, we are like soldiers on a battlefield with no communication with their commander.

Peter and the early apostles understood this. They declared: “We will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). This wasn’t a casual decision; it was a deliberate commitment. Yet many of us live as though we can be spiritually strong without prayer. Let’s stop deceiving ourselves. A prayerless life is a powerless life.

For many, the Bible has become an accessory instead of the anchor of their lives. How can we claim to follow Christ when we don’t know His teachings? How can we stand on God’s promises when we don’t even know what they are? James 1:22 admonishes us: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Too often, we hear sermons and read devotionals but fail to apply what we’ve learned. This isn’t faith—it’s passivity. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). If we are not immersing ourselves in Scripture daily, we are starving our spirits. A weak spirit cannot withstand trials or temptations.

It’s time to stop talking about spiritual growth and start practicing it. Start reading your Bible with intention. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Live it out in every area of your life.

The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our spiritual growth. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Yet many choose to keep company with those who drain our energy, distract us from our purpose, or even lead us into sin. Why?

If you want to grow spiritually, you need to seek out people who are also pursuing God wholeheartedly. Find those who demonstrate both the Power of God and the Fruits of the Spirit and challenge you to rise higher. Fellowship with them, learn from them and allow their example to sharpen you.

Unforgiveness is one of the most significant barriers to spiritual growth. Jesus said plainly: “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). Holding onto bitterness, grudges, or resentment not only damages your relationship with others but also blocks your relationship with God.

Forgiveness isn’t about excusing bad behavior; it’s about releasing yourself from the prison of bitterness. When you refuse to forgive, you are telling God that the grace He has extended to you is not worth extending to others. It’s time to let go and let God heal your heart.

Many of us are sabotaging our own lives with our words. The Bible warns us: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (Proverbs 18:21). What are you speaking over your life? Are your words filled with faith, hope, and love, or are they filled with doubt, fear, and negativity?

Start speaking life. Declare God’s promises over yourself and others. Your words have the power to shape your reality, so use them wisely.

Obedience is not optional. It is the evidence of our faith. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Too many of us hear God’s voice but ignore it because it doesn’t align with our preferences or plans. This is rebellion, and it will lead to spiritual stagnation.

The more time you spend in God’s Word and in prayer, the easier it will be to recognize His voice. And when you hear it, obey immediately.

The time for excuses is over. The time for laziness is over. The time for blaming others is over. It’s time to wake up and take responsibility for your spiritual growth.

God has given you everything you need to succeed—His Word, His Spirit, and His promises. But He will not force you to grow. The choice is yours. Will you continue to sleep in spiritual mediocrity, or will you rise, prepare, and walk in the fullness of your calling?

This is your moment. Awake from slumber. Stop seeking results without embracing the process. The time to act is now. What will your next step be?

• Are there areas in your life where you’ve been complacent?
• What practical steps will you take today to rekindle your prayer life and study of the Word?
• Who can you connect with to grow spiritually?