Someone Is Falling Asleep

Did you know falling asleep is the beginning of spiritual death?

Among many of the dangers that befall souls who are on the Enchanted Ground is a prayerless life, low church attendance and a lack of witnessing. These changes are excused by many with the thought it is only temporary. I wonder when was it ever safe to take a break from God? It is a question even angels struggle to understand.

In Chapter 35 of Pilgrim’s Progress, Christiana and her band are on the Enchanted Ground. Along their journey, the pilgrims had to walk past two slumbering pilgrims by the name of Heedless and Too-bold. They both had fallen into a deep sleep that only Jesus could wake them from at his second return. How did they men end up like this, the answer is in their name, they both chose not to heed to good advice, and made decision in the absence of God.

When the pilgrims had almost reached the end of the of the Enchanted Ground, they could hear the voice of someone who was deeply concerned, as they got closer, they saw a man on his knees with hands and eyes lifted towards heaven. Once the man on his knees had done praying, they approached and asked why he was on his knees?

He answered,

After I had entered the Enchanted Ground, I was contemplating how many who have come all this way have been stopped and destroyed, when they got to this place. As I was thinking of these things, a sensual lady approached and offered me three things-her body-her purse and her bed. She was bold and persistent. She has put many on a leash of bondage and has brought ten thousand times more into hell. To tell you the truth said the man, I was weary and sleepy.

After he had tried to walk away, she kept following him, until he finally knelt on his knees with his hands lifted to heaven. He cried to God, who had said that He would help him, and it was then that the that woman left. 

What have you run away from is still chasing after you? We have an example.

This week my heart was lifted by the reading of Charles Spurgeon, who said, “If you are under a cloud, seek your Lord. Stand still in your deep sorrow and say, ‘Dear Lord, the preacher tells me that you cross once stood in darkness like this, Oh Jesus, hear me!

He will respond.”

Jesus could not have spoken if He had so not lived, and neither could Spurgeon. The power came in their lives. The reason Spurgeon had a way with words that still ministers to us is because throughout his life he refused to let go of God, in return for his faithfulness, God gave him a song that still ministers to us.  This is where the power to overcome, and spiritual growth is. Similarly, because that man on his knees had always stayed with God through tough situations, when Satan unleashed all his attacks at once, he was not moved.

Whatever chases you and brings you to your knees is a blessing. Stay with God at all cost, and the enemy will regret he contributed to the strength you now have.