Awakening to God's Call: From Breakthrough to Transformation
Summary
Awakening to God’s dream for our lives is not just a spiritual concept, but a call to action that requires us to move beyond comfort, beyond mere revival, and into the realm of transformation and reformation. It’s easy to celebrate breakthrough moments—those times when God’s Spirit moves powerfully, when we experience personal or corporate revival. But the true purpose of breakthrough is not to camp at the border of promise, but to cross over and take the land, to see God’s kingdom established in every sphere of society.
God is calling us to be His ekklesia—His governing assembly on earth—who know both the priestly and kingly roles of Christ. We are comfortable with Jesus as our priest, but we must also embrace His kingship, and our own authority as sons and daughters. This means stepping out of our comfort zones, facing fears, and saying yes to God’s call even when it costs us dearly. Personal stories of overcoming fear, loss, and discomfort remind us that embracing God’s call is rarely easy, but always transformative.
Awakening is not just about personal destiny; it’s about embracing God’s heart for the place He has called us. We must allow His love for our city, our nation, to permeate our hearts, and then pray and act with His faith for transformation. Sometimes, this means standing up and saying, “This is not okay,” whether in our workplaces, schools, or communities. It means being bold, prophetic, and practical—bringing God’s solutions and refusing to be silent when righteousness is at stake.
We honor the revivals and moves of God in the past, but we must not let nostalgia define what God is doing now. The new move of God requires us to listen to His voice afresh, to submit our minds to the Holy Spirit, and to be willing to look foolish for the sake of obedience. Awakening is both revival (changing the heart of a person) and reformation (changing the heart of a nation). It’s time to disciple nations, not just individuals, and to take seriously the gifts and callings God has placed within us.
As we step into this, we must also activate the prophetic in our lives and communities—not just for the sake of spiritual experience, but to encourage, direct, and build up the body of Christ. God is raising up a people who will see as He sees, hear as He hears, and speak as He speaks, bringing His kingdom to earth in tangible ways.
Key Takeaways
- Breakthrough is not the destination; it is the doorway to transformation. Many celebrate revival and breakthrough, but God’s heart is for us to move from breakthrough into victory—where we see lasting change in our cities and nations. We must not settle for spiritual experiences alone, but press on to see God’s kingdom established in every sphere of life. [16:40]
- Embracing God’s call will always require us to step out of our comfort zones. Whether it’s overcoming personal fears, enduring loss, or facing spiritual opposition, saying yes to God’s dream for our lives will stretch us. Yet, it is in these places of discomfort that we discover God’s faithfulness and the true joy of obedience. [29:42]
- Awakening means allowing God’s love for a place to become our own. It’s not enough to know where we are called; we must let our hearts be broken for our city or nation, and pray with God’s faith for its transformation. This often involves repentance, intercession, and a willingness to see as God sees, even when the situation looks hopeless. [45:12]
- The prophetic is essential for staying on track with God’s purposes. Hearing God’s voice—whether directly or through others—can sustain us in times of grief, confusion, or opposition. A timely prophetic word can save not only our lives, but our callings, reminding us that God sees us and is with us in every season. [41:50]
- Being the ekklesia means standing up for righteousness in practical ways. Sometimes, it’s as simple as saying, “This is not okay,” in our schools, workplaces, or communities, and offering God-inspired alternatives. We are called to be bold, to honor the past but move forward, and to activate the gifts God has given us for the sake of others and the transformation of society. [01:06:41]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Opening Prayer and Worship Reflections
[05:30] - Awakening: Moving from Breakthrough to Victory
[11:45] - The Danger of Stopping at Breakthrough
[16:40] - Revival vs. Reformation: Discipling Nations
[24:53] - Jesus as Priest and King: Our Dual Calling
[27:19] - Overcoming Fear and Stepping Out
[35:41] - Legacy, Family, and the Power of Testimony
[41:21] - The Prophetic: God Sees You
[45:12] - Embracing God’s Heart for Your City
[50:28] - Embracing the Fullness of the Holy Spirit
[56:44] - Revival Changes a Person, Awakening Changes a Nation
[01:04:10] - Discipling Nations: Practical Outworking
[01:06:41] - Taking Your Calling Seriously
[01:18:06] - Activation: Seeing and Hearing as God Does
[01:24:39] - Prophetic Activation and Practice
[01:43:01] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Awakening to God’s Dream
---
### Bible Reading
Revelation 21:24-26 (ESV)
> "By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations."
([01:04:10])
Zechariah 6:13 (NLT)
> "Yes, he will build the Temple of the Lord. Then he will receive royal honor and will rule as king from his throne. He will also serve as priest from his throne, and there will be perfect harmony between his two roles."
([24:53])
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Revelation 21:24-26, what is described as coming into the New Jerusalem, and who brings it?
2. According to Zechariah 6:13, what two roles does the Messiah hold, and how are they described as working together?
3. The sermon described a difference between “breakthrough” and “victory.” What was the main difference given?
[[16:40]]
4. What practical examples did the speaker give of people stepping out of their comfort zones to say, “This is not okay,” in their communities?
[[01:06:41]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the nations to “walk in its light” and for the kings to bring their glory into the city? How might this relate to God’s dream for our cities and nations?
[[01:04:10]]
2. The sermon emphasized that Jesus is both priest and king. Why is it important for believers to embrace both aspects of Jesus’ identity, and how might this affect how we live?
[[24:53]]
3. The speaker said that breakthrough is not the destination, but the doorway to transformation. Why do you think people are tempted to “camp at the border” instead of moving forward into victory?
[[16:40]]
4. How does hearing God’s voice—either personally or through others—help sustain us during times of grief, confusion, or opposition?
[[41:50]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us not to settle for spiritual experiences alone, but to press on to see God’s kingdom established in every sphere of life. Is there an area in your life where you have been content with “breakthrough” but have not moved forward into transformation? What would it look like to take the next step?
[[16:40]]
2. The speaker shared about overcoming personal fears and discomfort in order to say yes to God’s call. Is there a specific fear or comfort zone that is holding you back from stepping into what God is asking of you? What is one practical step you could take this week to move forward?
[[29:42]]
3. Awakening means allowing God’s love for a place to become our own. Do you feel a burden or love for your city, workplace, or nation? If not, how could you begin to pray for God’s heart for the place where you are?
[[45:12]]
4. The sermon gave examples of people standing up and saying, “This is not okay,” in their schools or workplaces. Is there a situation in your community where you feel God is prompting you to speak up or take action for righteousness? What might that look like?
[[01:06:41]]
5. The prophetic was described as essential for staying on track with God’s purposes. Have you ever received a timely word from God (directly or through someone else) that encouraged or redirected you? How did it impact your journey?
[[41:50]]
6. The speaker talked about honoring past moves of God but not letting nostalgia define what God is doing now. Are there ways you might be holding onto the past that could keep you from embracing the new things God wants to do?
[[57:34]]
7. The sermon ended with an activation to see and hear as God does. What is one way you can intentionally listen for God’s voice this week—whether through prayer, Scripture, or community—and act on what you sense Him saying?
[[01:18:06]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to step out of comfort zones, for God’s heart for their city or nation, and for ears to hear and eyes to see as God does.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Both the Priesthood and Kingship of Christ
Jesus calls us to live in perfect harmony as both priests and kings, reflecting His dual role in our daily lives. This means not only drawing near to God in worship and humility but also stepping out with authority and confidence, knowing we are empowered to bring transformation to the world around us. Many are comfortable with the idea of being priests—serving, praying, and interceding—but hesitate to walk in the authority of kingship, which involves taking responsibility, making decisions, and standing firm in faith. To fully awaken to God’s dream for us, we must embrace both aspects, allowing Christ’s example to shape how we serve and lead in our communities. [24:53]
Zechariah 6:13 (NLT):
"Yes, he will build the Temple of the Lord. Then he will receive royal honor and will rule as king from his throne. He will also serve as priest from his throne, and there will be perfect harmony between his two roles."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to step out in the authority Christ has given you, rather than only serving quietly in the background?
Day 2: Awakening Means Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
God’s call often leads us beyond what feels safe or familiar, inviting us to trust Him in places of discomfort and challenge. True awakening is not just about hearing God’s voice or knowing His will, but about saying yes even when it means facing fears, letting go of control, or enduring hardship. The journey may involve loss, uncertainty, or even spiritual opposition, but it is in these moments that God’s power is most clearly revealed and our faith is most deeply formed. When we embrace the call, we discover that God’s plans are exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we could ask or imagine, and He is faithful to equip us for every step. [27:19]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV):
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What is one step outside your comfort zone that you sense God is asking you to take this week?
Day 3: God Sees You—The Power of Prophetic Encouragement
In seasons of grief, loneliness, or discouragement, God wants you to know that He sees you personally and intimately. He is El Roi, the God who sees, and He often uses the prophetic—whether through His voice, Scripture, or others—to remind you that you are not forgotten. A timely word from God can restore hope, confirm your calling, and give you the strength to persevere. Even when you feel invisible or overwhelmed, God’s loving attention is upon you, and He delights in encouraging and guiding you through every season. [41:50]
Genesis 16:13 (ESV):
"So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are a God of seeing,' for she said, 'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.'"
Reflection: When was the last time you felt unseen or overlooked? How might you invite God to speak encouragement to you today?
Day 4: Being the Ecclesia—Standing Up and Speaking Out
To be the ecclesia—the called-out people of God—means more than private faith; it means taking responsibility for the spiritual climate of your city, workplace, or nation. God is calling His people to rise up, break the silence, and lovingly but boldly say, “This is not okay” when confronted with injustice, compromise, or the neglect of God’s truth. Sometimes this looks like a single mother advocating for her child’s faith in school, or a believer respectfully challenging cultural norms. The Spirit empowers us to stand for what is right, not out of pride or anger, but out of love for God and people, trusting that our obedience can open doors for God’s glory to be revealed. [01:08:08]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV):
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Where is God prompting you to lovingly speak up or take a stand for His truth this week?
Day 5: Embracing the Fullness of the Holy Spirit and God’s Voice
Awakening is not just about knowledge or tradition, but about embracing the fullness of the Holy Spirit and learning to hear and obey God’s voice. This means letting go of religious comfort zones, being willing to look foolish for God, and saying yes to Him even when it challenges your understanding. The Spirit leads us into new dimensions of faith, power, and transformation, enabling us to move from reading about miracles to experiencing them. As we submit our minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit, we become vessels for God’s purposes, seeing lives and even nations changed by His presence and power. [54:35]
Acts 2:17 (ESV):
"'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.'"
Reflection: What part of God or His Spirit have you been hesitant to embrace? How can you open yourself more fully to His voice and leading today?
Quotes
But saying yes, awakening to the call of God on our lives means that we embrace the call. Sometimes even, not even sometimes, it always hurts to embrace the call. Let's just be real. It will always do. But there is joy on the other. And Jesus endured the suffering of the cross because he saw the joy that was on the other side. [00:42:35] (32 seconds)
What does it mean to embrace God's call for your life? Where has he called you to be? Have we allowed his love for that place to permeate our hearts? You're probably a bit of an easier case than I am with me. He has kind of whacked me lovingly on the head sometimes. Thank you, Catherine. Makes me feel better. But that's what it looks like, awakening to God's call for our lives. [00:46:31] (39 seconds)
And so these days, I believe that a mind submitted to the Holy Spirit of God is one of the most beautiful things around. But if our minds are not submitted, then we can be very blind and not know it. I was very blind and didn't know it. And I knew I had a choice to make, and that choice changed my life almost as much as the choice I made to ask Christ into my heart. Almost. And that choice was, God, I say yes to you, even the parts of you that I don't understand and that scare me. That choice changed my life. And it's still changing it today because it took me from a place of only reading about the miracles in Scripture and about things changing to actually seeing them change. And so these days, I don't have to have faith for change for you because I've seen God do it. And if he can do it with me, he can do it with you and through you. You don't have to be some spiritual giant. God journeys with you. [00:54:45] (77 seconds)
And so what is awakening? And what is revival? And once again, it's not one or the other. It is both and. All right? Revival. Charles Finney said this in the second great awakening in America. That was in the 19th century. He said, revival changes the heart of a man. But awakening changes the heart of a nation. Do we realize that? Revival changes the heart of a man or woman. Revival. Or sorry. Awakening changes the heart of a nation. Revival changes the heart of a man or woman. Revival changes the heart of a man or woman. Thank you. And that is where God is taking this right now. That is where God is taking this right now. [00:56:42] (50 seconds)
If we are looking to the past to let us see what this move of God that we are currently in is going to look like and define it, then we will miss the fullness of what God is releasing now. I'm going to say this again. In my nation, we had something in the 70s. No offense, Gideon, his grandfather, you know, was at the helm of one of the most powerful revivals we had in the last century. You won't hear him say that, but he was. Everybody knows his family in the Netherlands. He was a believer, seriously. All right. But if we're looking in the past to define what's now breaking open, we're going to miss the fullness. Why? Because what was in the past is no longer sufficient for what's coming. That is a prophetic statement. It's no longer sufficient for what is coming. And so we honor the past, but we have to move with the Lord into the future. And how do we know how to go? Yes, the scriptures, absolutely. But also the voice of God. [00:57:38] (85 seconds)
One of the key things that God is saying about the ecclesia right now is that he's teaching us to stand up and say, no, this is not okay. This is not okay. He started to talk to me about that a couple of weeks ago, actually. He was pushing me into a new level of what it means to be ecclesia personally. First of all, what does it mean to be a son or a daughter of the living God? Number one, to take seriously what God has given you. Only God is holy, not the gifting. But we really do need to take seriously what God has given you. God asked me a while ago, he said, Arlene, if you don't take the gift of God in you seriously, how on earth are you going to expect others to take it seriously? Do not disrespect the gift of God in you. Why? Because the gift of God in you is given by God. [01:06:34] (64 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 02, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?