And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Romans 13:11 KJV
There comes a moment in every believer’s journey when the soul must respond to a divine nudge—an inner stirring that says, it’s time to wake up. Paul’s words in Romans 13:11 aren’t soft whispers of suggestion; they’re urgent. They ring out like a trumpet in the fog, calling the Church to shake off spiritual lethargy and embrace the reality of eternity pressing in.
Paul wasn’t addressing outsiders. He wrote to the Church—men and women who had once walked in vibrant faith but had since become spiritually drowsy. Distractions crept in. Comfort dulled the edge of their devotion. The fervour of their first love had waned. So Paul issued a clear and uncompromising call: Now is the time to wake up. Not tomorrow. Not eventually. Now.
He reminded them that salvation is not just a moment in the past. Yes, they believed, and yes, they were saved. But salvation has a future dimension too—the glorious return of Christ and the fulfilment of all God’s promises. That day draws closer with every heartbeat. And the nearer it comes, the more awake we must be. Eternity is not far off. It is at the door.
Jesus illustrated this truth in Matthew 25 with the parable of the ten virgins. All ten awaited the bridegroom, yet only five remained ready with oil in their lamps and extra oil for refill. The others dozed off, assuming they had more time. When the bridegroom finally appeared, those who had slept through the waiting missed their moment. Not because they didn’t believe, but because they weren’t prepared.
The same warning applies to us today. We often start our Christian walk with fire, but the cares of life quietly settle like dust on our hearts. A once-passionate believer might now be more invested in career ambitions than Kingdom calling. Another, who used to rise early for prayer, now squeezes in quick moments with God, always promising more time later. But “later” often never comes. And what once was vibrant faith slowly fades into a routine of spiritual sleep.
This is why Paul’s words still resonate: it’s time to wake up. The Church needs spiritual clarity, not complacency. We need watchful eyes, listening hearts, and obedient hands. Our Saviour is near. His return is certain. The day of redemption draws closer than it has ever been. And with that in mind, it becomes clear: the time to wake up is now.
To live awake is to live aware. It means recognising what truly matters and reordering your life accordingly. You return to God’s Word with fresh hunger, draw near in prayer, and surrender your plans in favour of His purposes. You choose obedience—even when it stretches you—because you understand what’s at stake.
This call is not meant to frighten but to revive. God is not impatient, but His grace must not be mistaken for permission to delay. Every day that passes brings us closer to eternity. Every moment matters. And every believer must decide: Will I drift further into slumber, or will I rise and walk in His light?
The time to wake up is not an abstract idea or distant demand. It is a present reality. Right now, Heaven is calling. Christ is near. The shadows of night are lifting, and the dawn of salvation approaches.
So rise. Shake off the dust of delay. Refocus your heart. The Lord is coming. The time to wake up is now.
Living It Out
As you reflect on this call to spiritual alertness, ask yourself: Am I awake, or have I drifted into spiritual slumber? The Lord is inviting you to return to Him with renewed focus. Therefore, set aside distractions. Make time each day to dwell in His presence through prayer, Scripture, and worship.
So, start today. Open your Bible. Whisper a prayer. Take one step of obedience—however small. The time to wake up is not a future event; it begins the moment you choose to respond. Your Saviour is near. Let your heart be found watching, waiting, and ready.
The time to wake up is now. Will you answer the call?