You will know when spiritual awakening happens, because your life will never be the same. God’s wake-up call comes when you are least expecting it. There are no limits to the means. A few examples are:
- Hearing a song
- Reading a book or just a seeing a word
- Being out in nature
- A tough business meeting
- A crisis of some sort
- A dream
- Someone says something to you
My Wake-up Call
My wake-up call came when someone said five words to me.
I was having a one-on-one voice lesson with my choir director at church.
During our lesson, he abruptly stopped in the middle of the lesson, swung around on the piano bench, planted his feet on the floor and barked, “Why won’t you let go!”
That’s all it took. I felt like a bucket of ice water had been thrown in my face. At that moment, I woke up.
I knew why I wasn’t letting go. I was running as fast as I could. I was running towards achievement and away from the past. I paid no attention to my soul. On the outside I was extremely successful. On the inside I was spiritually bankrupt.
I was not nurturing my mind, body and spirit. I was sleepwalking through life.
Since that day, I have never been the same. I am fully awake and conscious of everything around me and God’s Spirit within me.
Jesus spoke of being “in” the world, but not “of” the world. God calls us to look beyond the material world.
The Gift of A Midlife Crisis
A midlife crisis is so common because facing that your life is half over forces you to wake up. You start asking the questions, “Is this all there is? What will my legacy be? How can I find more meaning?”
It’s a stressful time, but an exciting time. That’s because you will discover that the world of spirit is so much richer than the material world.
Spiritual Awakening – Spiritual Treasure
Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
Transcending the material world means accumulating greater treasure: deeper, loving relationships, being of service, having compassion, being at peace, having more meaning in your work, cultivating kindness.
Listen to God’s Call and Be still
Most people don’t take time to slow down. Examples of God’s call can happen in a place of crisis or in a place of stillness. The Psalmist says, “Be still and know that I am God.” God speaks to us in the stillness. Our hearts and souls speak the truth to us when we are still and listen.
When you spiritually awaken, when you answer God’s call, you will live your life with new freedom. You won’t want to go back to sleep. The world around you becomes brighter. Your spirit becomes lighter. Your relationships and life take on a greater meaning. You will be conscious of God’s peace, presence and power around you and within you. So, are you awake? Have you heard the call?
Part of my waking up was waking up to the true nature of God. My view of God was out of focus. I write about it in this free eBook and audio book: Bringing God’s View Into Focus to Live Life with Joy and Flow.
If you want to listen more attentive to God, here is a free mini course using four spiritual practices to Be Present with God.Â
Jackie Trottmann
April 7, 2024 3:27 pmHi Bailey,
You’ve been through a lot. Thank you for sharing your story.
God is faithful,
Jackie
Bailey Pulliam
January 10, 2024 4:44 amI received God’s call through the breaking point of my life.. I lost my daddy, which I felt his spirit leave his body from miles apart. I also encountered a physical visit from him, && another spiritual experience of visions of my childhood memories of me with my dad, which helped me mentally. Ultimately I learned who my partner was, I didn’t properly get to grieve until 6 months later. A terrible breakup && eviction notice later which my life saving was wrapped in, the grieving process began for me. The moment I gave up hope, I cried out to God. God saved me, && answers I needed were giving right away. He told me to forgive && to walk away from it all. I did as he asked. I later encountered a spiritual awareness while praising when I asked to lift the veil on the things unseen. God then placed me in isolation for a year, he healed me of mourning my lost, && he put me back together again. I recently had another spiritual experience which reflected on healing my inter self child. I learned faith through it all && stayed humbled. God bless!
Jackie Trottmann
May 29, 2021 9:42 amHi Mark,
Thank you for sharing. Each day is a new day to be awakened.
Be blessed,
Jackie
Mark
May 3, 2021 6:18 pmEvery evening, when I rest, I bite the dust. Furthermore, the following morning, when I get up, I am reawakened. Check this blog on What You Should Know About Spiritual Rebirth.
Jackie Trottmann
October 2, 2019 7:06 amHi Laura,
Thank you for sharing your experience in your beautiful comment. My heart did a little leap when you described the Holy Spirit as He/She. Them there are fighting words… the mere aspect of the feminine side of God. I have been scolded for eluding to any aspect of God as a Mother… I digress. : ) Reading your comment, lots of the words of Jesus popped into my head: “For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:14 And, “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39 And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:29-30 The apostle Paul said, “Sleeper, Awake!” If there is anyone that had a spiritual awakening, it was Paul! Sadly, with all that you stated so beautifully in your comment, it’s like there’s a spiritual amnesia. Doesn’t God still speak to us right here and now? If not, what is the point of all this? Going through a spiritual awakening, you lose the life you had before – being unconscious or lost or in darkness. You gain a new life of peace, clarity, and God’s direction. You may lose your friends and family because they can’t see what your eyes have been opened to. I have found (as you have) that the road is narrow that leads to this life. Yes, I agree that we are all on a spiritual journey. We are made up of our minds, bodies, and spirits. The spirit part of us is our true essence. It’s what gives us life. We live in a spiritually bankrupt world, where stressing and striving is rewarded with the goal for success and outward things. Well, I’ve written a short book here. Thank you again for your thoughtful comment. I look forward to continuing our conversation.
In gratitude,
Jackie
Laura Lee Scott
October 1, 2019 9:58 pmThank you so much for this thoughtfully-written article, and for creating an opportunity to discuss spiritual awakenings! I would very much love to connect with you to discuss this subject further, as I have personally experienced a profound spiritual awakening myself…one that has unfolded in what could be considered very “classic” stages over many years. Raised as a Lutheran, I have always believed that Jesus is the Son of God and our risen, sovereign king, at least on an intellectual level. However, I also saw a lot of hypocrisy within organized religion, and pretty much stopped attending church upon my high school graduation. My story is very long and winding, but in 2016, I became a surrendered Christian upon seeing an amazing, undeniable vision of Jesus. He was wearing a white robe and had His arms outstretched. By then, I’d experienced many years of living in what could only be described as a significant spiritual wilderness, seeking out spiritual truth from every so-called path of enlightenment. With every step, it felt as if this wilderness was narrowing, and a path was growing ever brighter — one that eventually led me back to the feet of Jesus Christ. This time, it was in a way that allowed the truth of who He is, was, and always will be to jump from my mind to my heart. In that moment, the truth hit me that Jesus was the only one who had truly never hurt me, and, as I surrendered, I was able to physically feel the presence and power of the Holy Spirit rush in, as if He/She had been given a “green light” to help me. It was amazing, and truly something that has been humbling and transformative in every aspect of my life.
Unfortunately, we live in a world engulfed in darkness…one that doesn’t allow people to have spiritual experiences without questioning their sanity. Even though they all profess to be believers, no one in my immediate nor my extended family (all Lutheran, Catholic, or formerly Lutheran or Catholic) understands the presence and transformative power of the Holy Spirit. I have never wavered from testifying that my personal experience is a spiritual awakening — one that, while inarguably painful and confusing at times, has both allowed me to know God on an authentic and meaningful level, and to be refined into a better version of myself. (Obviously, that’s a life long endeavor!) Despite this, thus far, they’ve been unwilling to read or believe anything about spiritual awakenings at least not where I’m concerned. Additionally, they seem to have almost zero interest in reading the bible, especially about the importance of surrendering, or discussing any issues of a spiritual nature. (My wanting to do so is seen as “evangelizing” and even symptomatic, although I’m not sure exactly of what, and I’m sure they couldn’t tell me either.) Even though I’m a capable, contributing member of society, an award-winning children’s book author, a small biz owner, and a person who truly tries to look for every opportunity I can to serve, learn, grow, and give, they simply refuse to believe that I’m actually the healthiest, strongest, and most grateful and at peace that I’ve ever been in my life. While I’m heartbroken that the enemy has been able to so effectively (thus far) divide me from the family that I love, God has placed a great deal of hope within me that this will change moving forward, especially as awareness of spiritual awakenings and the ability for a meaningful, personal relationship (i.e., reconciliation) with our Triune God continues to grow. I do know God is truly on the move in ALL of our lives, in new and miraculously beautiful ways, and my heart is full of faith and gratitude regarding this truth. As a writer myself, I hope to address this issue more, but on a personal level, I very much value other Christian writers coming forward to shed light on this all-important subject. It’s so vital for articles like yours to be out there reaching people who have been indoctrinated into a societal belief system that works to keep us separated from seeking God’s heart, in great part, by labeling, stigmatizing, and discrediting anyone and everyone who professes to be experiencing a Christian spiritual awakening. Whether awake, asleep, or somewhere in between, I have no doubt that we are ALL on a spiritual journey (here for a short blink before moving on), and that, even in this spiritually bankrupt world, God truly does use everything for our good and His glory!
Jackie Trottmann
September 16, 2019 8:13 pmHi Slav,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m glad you can now see. Me too. : )
Peace and blessings,
Jackie
Jackie Trottmann
June 4, 2019 10:33 amHi Gwendolyn,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I had to chuckle when you said you keep seeing the number 11. I’ve been seeing it for about three years now. I’ve read that it’s about purity, authenticity and balance. That’s exciting that you are writing a book about your experience. It sounds very unique and refreshing.
Best wishes!
Jackie
Gwendolyn Davis
June 2, 2019 9:13 amA Traumatic Experience, being brought up in the Church, (and knowing things that my parents nor my pastor have taught me) for a very long time. I wondered what the information met, however, when the Love of my Life of 41 years passed suddenly,in my 50’s, the Experiences and information bombarded me during my grieving process, I believe (All the Stories of Old) about the “Greats” in the Bible”, however, I understand the Bible in a way I didn’t before, for Example, Romans 11: 13-14 where it says the hour has come for you to “Wake from Sleep”, I remember my mother telling me as a Child (may she RIP) a Virtuous Woman, that when we Die, we “Sleep” until Jesus returns, well, I have come to know “Sleep” does not mean Rest for the Body it means “Wake-Up the God In You”, you can be wide awake and and still be Sleep, Within/Spiritually, yes he will wake those that are sleep when the hour comes, but it will be those who are still here walking around “Still Seep” and those who have already gone (Passed) and lived their Whole Life and never woke up. My Past isn’t an issue for me anymore, my Grief subsided when I was watching television about a year after my husband passed and he Smiled (all the Time) and I could not concentrate and watch the Show because I kept seeing his face in my Mind Smiling, (broad daylight outside) something told me to “Mute” the T V and Close my Eyes, so I did,(He had lost a lot of weight before he passed) there he was (All White) White Button Up Shirt , White Dress Pants, White Thin Belt and White Shoes,, Handsome as Ever, Pearly whites Gleaming with all his Weight back on he looked Fantastic, he didn’t talk to me with his Mouth but I could “Feel” his Love” overwhelming LOVE, we took a stroll in a neighborhood, it was Beautiful, Homes lined up and down both sides of the street Flowers falling from the Trees,, just LOVELY!, so after what seemed to be a Half hour or so,,but may have lasted a Minute or Two, I said (in my Mind) okay okay Sweetie, I get it, Your’re Okay,, and I’ve been Fine ever since. I always knew the Spirit leaves the Body when the Body gives out, and my Experiences after he (my Love) died let me know (Without Question) the Spirit “Lives On”, I am That I Am, (Lives In Me) Everyone!, the Universe, is Me, we are All Molecules and Atoms Etc.. 11:11 I was at the store the other Day shopping for Spare Ribs the first Slab cost ,$11.11 I see it everywhere, I have for years, I Am Love Light and Peace, and whatever I choose to be the External is so Irrelevant,, Within, is What’s Up, “I Am” writing a Book, about this very thing, not really sure why, however, when I’m inspired there is no stopping me almost done I just need to find a Publisher. Thought Id Share.
Jackie Trottmann
May 14, 2019 9:46 amHi Brandon,
Thanks for sharing your experience. That is precisely why I call God the God of surprises. God comes to us when we least expect it.
I’m excited to hear where God will take you. : )
Blessings,
Jackie
Brandon Marsh.
May 14, 2019 8:58 amWhen Gods universe collided with mine. Everything will come apart. Creating ripples and waves. I thought I am beyond the point of reach. But God said your time is not my time. Wake up, get up!!!! He came to me out of no where, in a time when God shouldn’t show up. He opened a window in my crazy life. Broke threw the mask for a few seconds. I knew it was God Almighty. I’ve been a believer for years. But God smacked me. Why, because he has always loved me. His time is not my time. He said my time is now. God is so perfect and holy. All I can do is whatever I can to honor him.
Jackie Trottmann
January 18, 2019 11:00 amHi Slav,
Thank you for sharing. Jesus always went after the one lost sheep, not staying with the other 99. I’m glad you can now see with more than your eyes. :)
Be blessed,
Jackie
Slav
January 18, 2019 10:54 amThank you for sharing this, it truly helps.
I am going through the same thing and it literally happened in an instant: it hit me like a tonne of bricks!
I was living in denial for the last 10 or so years, fully convinced that I had been abandoned and that God has turned his back on me. Even questioning his existence and the existence of our savior, Jesus Christ.
Then the proverbial happened: I was blind but now I see. Thank you Lord.
People are waking up, slowly but surely.
Slav
January 18, 2019 10:50 amThank you for sharing this, it truly helps.
I am going through the same thing and it literally happened in an instant: it hit me like a tonne of bricks!
I was living in denial for the last 10 or so years, fully convinced that I had been abandoned and that God has turned its back on me. Even questioning his existence and the existence of our savior, Jesus Christ.
Then the proverbial happened: I was blind but now I see. Thank you Lord.
People are waking up, slowly but surely.
Jackie Trottmann
September 27, 2018 1:23 pmHi Rhonda,
Please feel free to click on this link: Contact Me to share more with me.
Peace to you,
Jackie
Rhonda
September 23, 2018 7:08 amNombuso dnadalini,
How are you? I can attest to the spiritual awakening. I’d love to tell you more or hear your testimony
Jackie Trottmann
January 27, 2018 11:46 amHi Nombuso,
Thanks for your comment. Well, I have never “heard” God’s voice out loud. But I can tell you that I have heard it many times within me very loud and clear. It has always come when I was still. I believe that is why people love the verse: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. God speaks to us in stillness. That stillness can be a fraction of a second, especially if we are in danger of some kind. But we are still enough to pay attention. I have also found that I hear God’s voice when I am at the end of my rope. I just surrender and stop trying. God speaks to us when we pay attention. God also speaks to us when our mind is not racing with crowded thoughts. So, I would encourage you to carve out time to be still. If you are going through a challenge, tell God about it. Then sit quietly and listen. Being out in nature is a great way to hear God’s voice, sitting in the beautiful world that has been given to us.
May you hear God’s voice. God is speaking all of the time.
Peace to you,
Jackie
Nombuso Dlamini
January 22, 2018 12:50 amI would like to hear God’s voice
Jackie Trottmann
April 7, 2017 12:39 pmHello Pastor Iwems,
Thank you for reading and for posting. I will hold you in my prayers for your mission and vision. As for me, my vision and mission will be continuing to help others find inner peace and to draw closer to God. To help people believe that God loves us just as we are and that we are enough. I’m trusting God to get this message out through my book, God Notes – Daily Doses of Divine Encouragement, my meditations and other writing. I admire you for answering the call to do this. May God bless you in your efforts.
Peace and blessings,
Jackie
Pastor Friday Solomon Iwems
April 5, 2017 4:00 amSo refreshed reading your article -spiritual awakening or God’s wake up Call .I’m presently preparing to launch what I call “The Great Awakening Crusades in Nigeria. I strongly believe the Lord to do much more than I asked or think. Within the month, we’re going to start prayer network centres in the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State. I strongly solicit your partnership with this vision. Pray for us. Blessings!
Jackie Trottmann
May 25, 2016 3:59 pmHi Georgetta,
Thank you for commenting. Keep listening. : )
Peace, clarity and direction to you,
Jackie
Georgetta
May 25, 2016 9:24 amListen to God’s Call and Be still..
This spoke out to me so clear,, Yes I’m hearing His voice clear I now know what He wants me to do! Thank you Jesus!! :) I have been going through something, but I’ve always kept in mind to keep worshiping my God Lord Jesus Christ regardless of what I may be facing in this life & keeping also in mind to know that He is always with me.