AWAKE, AWAKE, PUT ON STRENGTH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Isaiah 52:1
"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean."
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 60:1-2, Romans 13:11, Ephesians 6:10-11, Psalm 144:1, 1 Corinthians 16:13
INTRODUCTION:
The call to “awake” in Isaiah 52:1 is not just a physical awakening, but a spiritual summons to rise from spiritual slumber and embrace the strength and authority that God provides. It is a call to the people of God to put on their strength—strength that comes from the Holy Spirit, strength to stand firm in the face of adversity, and strength to fulfill their divine purpose. This strength is not of our own, but it is divinely imparted to us through Christ.
Throughout Scripture, the call to wake up is repeated because, as believers, we often become spiritually complacent, distracted by the challenges and struggles of life. However, God is calling us to rise, to stand strong, and to put on His strength, for it is only through His power that we can overcome. The strength of the believer is not in human ability but in the might of the Lord.
This passage speaks to a time when the people of God must be vigilant and ready for the new season ahead. It’s a reminder that God has equipped us with everything we need to stand strong and to advance His kingdom, no matter the obstacles that may come. The strength we put on is His glory, His power, and His might, and it transforms us into a people who can bring about change and deliverance.
1. AWAKENING TO SPIRITUAL VIGILANCE
It is time to wake up and become spiritually alert.
a) Spiritual slumber is a danger to our spiritual growth.
Laziness or complacency causes us to miss the move of God (Romans 13:11).
b) The call to awaken is a call to revival.
It is a call to stir up the gifts of God within us (2 Timothy 1:6).
c) Spiritual alertness enables us to discern the times.
The spiritually awake can identify the will of God and follow His direction (1 Chronicles 12:32).
d) God requires His people to be watchful and prayerful.
Watchfulness in prayer prevents the enemy from gaining ground (Matthew 26:41).
Biblical Example: Jesus' call to Peter, James, and John to stay awake in the garden (Matthew 26:40-41).
2. PUTTING ON STRENGTH THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT
We receive our strength from the Holy Spirit, who empowers us.
a) The Holy Spirit is the source of true strength.
It is through His power that we are made strong (Zechariah 4:6).
b) We are not called to rely on our own abilities.
Our strength is in God’s grace, not in human effort (2 Corinthians 12:9).
c) The strength we put on comes with divine wisdom and guidance.
The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth and empowers us for victory (John 14:26).
d) With God’s strength, we can face any trial or challenge.
His power enables us to stand firm and triumph over difficulties (Philippians 4:13).
Biblical Example: Samson’s strength through the Holy Spirit (Judges 14:6).
3. PUTTING ON GARMENTS OF PRAISE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS
Strength in the Lord involves adorning ourselves with righteousness and praise.
a) Righteousness is a garment that covers and protects us.
Righteousness brings us into alignment with God’s will and purpose (Isaiah 61:10).
b) Praise releases divine strength.
As we praise God, we acknowledge His power and strength, which empowers us (Psalm 8:2).
c) Garments of praise protect us from spiritual attack.
When we clothe ourselves with praise, we disarm the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:22).
d) We must wear these garments daily to maintain our strength.
Consistent righteousness and praise guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).
Biblical Example: The garments of praise replacing the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3).
4. THE IMPORTANCE OF STANDING FIRM IN GOD’S STRENGTH
We must be resolute and stand firm in God’s strength, not our own.
a) God’s strength enables us to withstand every storm.
Standing in God’s might brings us peace and security (Psalm 29:11).
b) The enemy cannot stand against the strength of God.
No weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
c) Standing firm requires us to put on the full armor of God.
We must be equipped to fight against spiritual opposition (Ephesians 6:10-11).
d) Firmness in faith leads to victory.
We stand firm in faith and experience God’s victory in our lives (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Biblical Example: The unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-18).
5. GOD’S PROMISE OF DELIVERANCE AND RESTORATION
As we put on strength, God promises to deliver and restore us.
a) God’s strength leads to divine deliverance.
When we rely on His strength, He delivers us from all adversities (Psalm 34:17).
b) Restoration follows when we put on God’s strength.
God restores what the enemy has taken, and strengthens us for the journey ahead (Joel 2:25-26).
c) We are empowered to break through every limitation.
No obstacle can stop God’s plan for our lives when we rely on His strength (Luke 1:37).
d) Divine strength leads to success and prosperity.
When God empowers us, we succeed and prosper in all areas of life (Joshua 1:8).
Biblical Example: The restoration of Job after his trials (Job 42:10).
CONCLUSION:
The call to "awake" is a call to rise up in the strength that God gives. We are not to remain passive or complacent but to put on His strength, which enables us to face the battles of life. Our strength comes from the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to be victorious, and as we align ourselves with His will, we walk in His divine purpose. Let us embrace this call to action, put on our strength, and stand firm in God's mighty power.
God has equipped us for every challenge and every assignment. As we awaken to His strength and take action, we will see God’s glory manifest in our lives.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to awake from every form of spiritual slumber in my life.
2. Father, empower me by Your Holy Spirit to stand strong in every situation.
3. I put on the garment of praise and righteousness, and I receive Your strength.
4. I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper in Jesus' name.
5. Lord, restore everything the enemy has stolen from me and strengthen me for greater victories.
