“I sleep, but my heart is awake…” (Song of Solomon 5:2 NKJ).
Part One
This verse indicates a restless state. The spiritual man wants to stay awake and alert to the Lord’s visitation, but the fleshly man wants to sleep.
There is a New Testament parallel in this verse in the parable of the ten virgins who had all grown weary waiting for the bridegroom to appear (Matt. 25:1-13). In their spirits they were in a state of anticipation and expectancy. But in the flesh, they were exhausted. They were waiting, yet sleeping at the same time.
Several factors contribute to the same state of drowsiness which grips the modem-day Christian Church:
- The delay of the Second Coming causes some believers to grow weary and lose patience
- The increase of violence and ungodliness in the universe makes it easier to stay locked away in one’s own little world
- A general disinterest in spiritual matters by the world makes it seem less and less worthwhile to continue to confront the increasing cynicism, pessimism, and unbelief
- Continuous opposition from demonic forces takes its toll on the human frame
We are all subject to becoming fatigued and tempted to just give up the struggle and “take it easy.” The antidote to this apathy is a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In the past, revivals were called “great awakenings.” The Lord has the answer for us. He knows how to wake us up. The good news is we are not going to sleep through the war. God is sounding the trumpet, alerting His troops, calling out the garrison.
We are waking up to our great calling and commission as soldiers of the cross. The spirit is winning over the flesh!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.