"Failing to Stay Awake"

When driving alone on a road trip it could be easy to get drowsy and come close to falling asleep. At that point it becomes a battle just to stay awake. We try and think of ways to combat this urge to fall asleep, so there are a number of things we could attempt. We could crank up the music, sing along with the music, take a 5-hour energy shot, or call someone on our cell phone. If it’s cold outside roll down the windows and do a “freeze out.” Find a way to make the temperature of the car uncomfortable so it keeps you more aware.
So we have all these options in order to keep us awake, but do we ever use these resources that are so readily available to us? I know for me I normally just let the drowsiness get the best of me and fall asleep.
If you haven’t figured what’s really going on then listen closely. This is an analogy for fighting/battling sin. “Driving alone” is us trying to deal with sin on our own power. The “road trip” is our life. Our “drowsiness” is our sin temptation. “Falling asleep” is the act of sinning. Throughout our lives we are tempted to sin, and we can either fight it or let it consume us, and eventually lead to our death, so the battle has begun.
I said we have multiple options right at our fingertips to try and “stay awake.” With technology today, we have so many resources we could use to fight sin. The Internet can be used to actually fight off sin instead of indulging in it, believe it or not. There are online Bibles, Christian music, and sermons we can listen to. Facebook chat could be used to let someone know you are being tempted at that very moment, and you could ask him or her to pray for you.
Cell phones are another great resource. Did you know that you could call and even text a friend using a cell phone? YES! You did know that! So why don’t we in times of need, but every other moment of the day we can’t put our phone down, and especially in regards to things that don’t matter as much as fighting sin and pursuing holiness.
Let’s go back to online Bibles, Christian music, and sermons. With all the new phone companies coming out with the Internet built into the phones, there is no excuse why we can’t use it to read God’s Word in times of temptation. The Word that can change hearts isn’t going to change yours in times of need if you don’t open it up.
Prayer is a perfect example of accessibility. How more accessible can you get? All you have to do is start talking to God out loud, or even easier, in your head. God knows our thoughts; so let’s start talking. In times of temptation, pray that God would remove this desire from you. Pray that God would draw you to himself.
The last thing I want to mention is meditating. When I say meditating, I’m talking about focusing on God, and/or thinking deeply. Thinking deeply about the characteristics of God. Focusing on certain promises of God. Going into the depths about the gospel, and what Christ did for us on the cross, and not only what he did but what he achieved, which is salvation for those who believe in his atoning sacrifice.
With all these resources so available to us, why do we keep falling into the same old habitual sins? I think there are a few reasons.
1. Our sinful desire and nature to please ourselves.
2. We are passive, which relates to point 1.
3. We don’t see God as being Holy, Holy, Holy, and our sin as being despicable, perverted, and displeasing.
4. We don’t understand the price that was paid for our sins.
5. We doubt the promises of God that we find in his Word.
6. We really don’t desire to grow.
7. We don’t want to give up certain areas of our life to God.