Calling All Couch Potatoes for Christ: Wake Up Your Faith!

Remember that story where Jesus is all, "Hey guys, can you just stay awake and pray with me for a bit?" And the disciples are like, "Sure thing, Jesus!" But then they zonk out faster than your grandpa after Thanksgiving dinner? (Mark 14:37-38) Classic! It's easy to shake our heads and think we'd never pull a stunt like that.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

But hold up a sec. Before we get all judgy, let's take a look in the mirror, shall we? How many times have you thought, "I really should crack open my Bible today" or "I need to spend some quality time in prayer," only to find yourself knee-deep in the latest season of The Great British Bake Off instead? (No judgment on the Bake Off, by the way—those cakes are pure magic!)

I remember a time when my nightly routine became a Netflix binge-fest. I'd promise myself just one episode, only to wake up at 2 AM wondering how I'd let it get so late. I was acting like I was too busy or tired to hang with God, but somehow I had hours to scroll through social media or debate whether pineapple belongs on pizza. (It doesn't. Fight me on it if you dare)!

As Solomon wisely noted, "A lazy person turns over in his bed, like a door that continues to open and close." (Proverbs 26:14) Ouch, right?

Is Your Faith on Snooze?

Sometimes it's like we're spiritual narcoleptics, nodding off when God's trying to have a heart-to-heart with us. We're basically the disciples, except instead of falling asleep in a garden, we're dozing off on our couches with Netflix asking if we're still watching.

However, this is not just about being lazy or lacking motivation. When we ignore our relationship with God, there's often more to it and it can often be a sign of other stuff going on in our lives, like:

1. Fear: Are you afraid of what you might find if you really dive into your faith? Fear of the unknown, fear of failing, or fear of stepping out of our cozy comfort zones can keep us from seeking God. But remember, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

2. Busyness: Is your life so packed with stuff that there's no room for God? In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget about what truly matters. Jesus reminds us, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

3. Distraction: Is your phone constantly buzzing, pulling your attention away from spiritual things? Our brains are constantly bombarded with distractions making it tough to focus on God. Paul warned about this: "Be sure you are not led away by the teaching of those who have nothing worth saying and only plan to deceive you. That teaching is not from Christ." (Colossians 2:8)

4. Lack of Purpose: Do you feel like your life is missing something? When we don't have a clear sense of purpose or direction, it can be easy to lose our spiritual motivation. But remember, God has plans for you: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

How to Go From Snore to Soar!

Don't worry, you're not alone! Overcoming spiritual snoozing is totally doable. It's about tackling those underlying issues that keep us from connecting with God. But the good news is you can do it! Here are some fun and practical steps to get you started:

1. Acknowledge Your Struggles: Be real with yourself about where you're at. No need to beat yourself up—just recognize that there's room for growth and go from there. Try journaling your feelings as a way to figure out what may be holding you back.

- Tip: Start a "God and Me" journal. Each day, write down one thing you're grateful for and one area where you need God's help.

2. Seek God's Guidance: Talk to God about your struggles—He's not judging you; He's just waiting for you to reach out! Even a simple prayer can open the door to deeper conversations.

- Try This: Set a daily alarm on your phone labeled "God Time". When it goes off, wherever you are, take 30 seconds to say a quick prayer.

3. Prioritize Spiritual Growth: Carve out time for spiritual activities, even if it's just a few minutes each day where you can focus on God without distractions.

- Fun Idea: Create a "Faith Nook" in your home. Designate a comfy corner with your Bible, journal, and inspirational artwork. Make it a cozy spot where you can focus on God without distractions and look forward to spending time.

4. Find a Spiritual Community: Surround yourself with folks who share your faith. They can be your cheerleaders and help keep you accountable. Consider joining a Bible study group or connecting with friends who inspire you spiritually.

- Get Started: Look up local churches or online ministries that offer small groups. Commit to trying one out for a month.

5. Discover Your Purpose: Explore your passions and talents. Understanding your unique gifts can help you discover your purpose and find meaning in your life. Figure out what you're here for. When you know your purpose, it's easier to stay awake spiritually.

- Action Step: Take a spiritual gifts assessment online. Then, brainstorm ways you could use your gifts to serve others in your church or community.

Remember, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

Need a Little Extra Caffeine Boost?

To help you tackle those spiritual snooze buttons, I've created a FREE printable called "Couch Potatoes for Christ: Wake Up Your Faith!" This handy resource will guide you in setting spiritual alarms, choosing meaningful reminders, and tracking your spiritual "sleep" and "alertness."

You can get your free printable by clicking here

Final Thoughts

Remember, spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but with God's help, we can hit the snooze button on spiritual slumbers and live with purpose and joy. So, let's put down the remote, pick up our Bibles, and see what God has in store for us!

Your Turn to Wake Up!

Now it's your turn to take action! I challenge you to commit to one specific step from the "How to Go From Snore to Soar!" section. Write it down, tell a friend, or better yet, share it in the comments below! Let's encourage each other on this journey to spiritual wakefulness.

And hey, if you've got any funny stories about your own spiritual "snooze button" moments, we'd love to hear them. After all, laughter is the best alarm clock, right?

Let's wake up our faith together, one spiritual yawn at a time!