Fully Awake
This week has been fantastic. A rich mix of meetings — work, partnerships, nonprofit activity, and plenty of family time as we plan for the upcoming school year. Each conversation was different and unique, but all were full of opportunities to be fully awake and fully alive.
Today in my Bible reading, I came across the verse that inspired this title:
“Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory…” — Luke 9:32
The context here is the transfiguration of Jesus. His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. That’s what it took for Peter, James, and John to truly wake up. Honestly, I think that’s probably about what it would take for me too.
To be fully awake and fully alive in Jesus Christ would be the ultimate way to live. But so far, I haven’t met anyone who’s completely living that way — and based on Luke 9, it seems the twelve disciples didn’t have it mastered either. Still, we see throughout the New Testament that they did have moments — moments when they were on fire, alert, and laser-focused on spreading the Gospel.
This week, I’ve seen glimpses of this kind of living all around me:
Businessmen, parents, teachers, and friends taking bold steps to use their God-given gifts for the Lord.
Prayer in the workplace, Bible studies starting in offices, and generosity flowing from business profits.
Teachers and parents committed to raising children with a biblical worldview as the school year begins.
Mortgage professionals and realtors partnering to help a family achieve homeownership, then donating from that closing to help neighbors in need.
Fully awake. Even for just a moment.
Jesus is present in every moment with us. Always by our side. Sometimes our eyes are heavy and our hearts distracted. Other times, we are aware — really aware — of His presence. In those moments, our steps look different, our hearts are open to His call, and our actions reflect His heart.
My prayer as we end this Friday is that our eyes and hearts would awaken to what God has for us this weekend — that we would walk in step with Jesus along the way.
-Mark
