My phone rang very, very early yesterday morning and jolted me out of my sleep. I had already been up late, nursing on the children, so I was really tired. It was such an odd time for my phone to ring too, so I was wondering exactly who it might be and if everything was OK.
Well, my concern was unfounded; it turned out to be a hang up. After that, I couldn't go back to sleep. I tried, but, I was fully awake by then. So, I decided to begin my day a little earlier than usual and get some quiet time while everyone was still asleep. Although I didn't like the way I had been jarred out of my sleep by the mystery caller, that early start resulted in an overall more productive day.
Sure, the wake up call disturbed me initially, but by the end of the day, I could clearly see that it turned out to be a good thing.
I wonder; has that ever happened to you? Have you ever gotten an unexpected wake up call of some sort in your life? You know, a turn of events you didn't anticipate that sort of threw you for a loop? If so, I'm guessing that, you couldn't fully appreciate whatever it was that stopped you from sleepwalking through life and forced you to pay attention--not right away, at least. But looking retrospectively, more than likely, you can see how beneficial it was for you.
Wake up calls come in all types of forms--spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional. It's different for each of us, because there are specific areas in our lives that have to be worked on. For some, their body may tell them, Hey, you're doing too much! For others, their finances may say, Wait, you're spread too thin! For someone else, they may feel disconnected spiritually, which may let them know they need to draw closer to God.
Have you had a wake up call lately? If so, what did you learn from it? As I said, it's different for everyone; yet, the response should be the same... we should answer the call. That might force us to change up our patterns and abandon our comfort, but that's alright. Don't resist.
You see, I believe that God allows certain circumstances to occur in our lives in order to get our attention. Of course, I don't believe He deliberately inflicts pain upon any us; He's not that kind of God. However, He will allow painful circumstances and situations to help shape us into the vessels of honor He intends for us to be.
The trouble may not come from God, oh, but He can use anything! Can I get a witness right there?
Sometimes, we have to be shaken awake in order to abandon the routine cycles of life, hear God's voice and recognize the need for change. I know it may be uncomfortable, but the wake up call-- if you answer it--can lead to increased productivity and positive change in your life.
One thing I know about God is, if you avail yourself to listen by answering the call, He always has something to say. Always.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
