When Men Slept
Scripture Reference: Matthew 13:25–30
When the mysterious fire broke out, the Holy Spirit revealed to me another profound lesson: the danger of spiritual slumber.
Jesus told a parable in Matthew 13:25-30 about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.
During my reflection after the incident, I couldn’t help but wonder:
- Was the burning car a result of arson?
- Did someone deliberately set the fire?
- Could the tragedy have been avoided if someone had been alert?
In the absence of surveillance cameras or watchful eyes, evil had the opportunity to thrive.
The Reality: Evil Thrives When Men Sleep
The truth of the matter is simple but sobering: Many evils happen when men sleep.
The Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart that believers are not only to be physically awake when needed but must be spiritually awake 24/7—365 days a year.
While physical rest is necessary for health and restoration, spiritual sleep is a dangerous risk.
Believers are called to live:
- Spiritually alert
- Sensitive to divine signals
- Awake and responsive in the Spirit
This doesn’t necessarily mean physical hyperactivity, but rather spiritual aliveness, even in the midst of everyday physical routines.
The Danger of Spiritual Slumber
The Bible warns us:
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
— Romans 8:6
Spiritual slumber leads to:
- Carnality
- Vulnerability to the enemy’s attacks
- Missed divine opportunities
- Unconscious drift into danger
How to Stay Spiritually Awake
To avoid falling into spiritual slumber, the Holy Spirit revealed these practices:
1. Meditate on God’s Word Regularly
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God…”
— 2 Timothy 2:15; Joshua 1:8; 1 Timothy 4:13–15
Daily meditation on Scripture keeps your spirit alive, sharp, and sensitive.
2. Engage in Prayer and Fasting
“…This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
— Matthew 17:21; Isaiah 58:6–14
Consistent prayer and fasting sharpen your spiritual senses and strengthen your inner man.
3. Put on the Whole Armor of God
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
— Ephesians 6:10-17
Daily spiritual warfare is essential to resist and defeat unseen attacks.
4. Fellowship with Like-Minded Believers
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”
— Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Psalm 1:1–3
Staying connected to a vibrant spiritual community nurtures accountability, encouragement, and collective strength.
5. Be Sensitive to the Leading of the Holy Spirit
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
— Romans 8:14
Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s promptings keeps you aligned with God’s agenda and shields you from unseen dangers.
The Spirit of God is always speaking, guiding, warning, and directing. Stay tuned to His voice!
My prayer for you and me is that we remain spiritually awake and alive in Christ and continue to overcome all the devil’s strategies.
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
— John 10:10
May you not be found spiritually asleep when it matters most!
Join the Conversation
How do you think a believer can stay spiritually awake?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Feel free to add your insights in the comment section below.
Stay tuned for The Mystery Fire: Lessons Revealed – Part 4.
Until then, keep your spirit alert and your heart ablaze for God!