Always Ready

“But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom!’ […] The groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.” – Matthew 25:6, 10 NASB

It began as a typical Tuesday in South Florida. People went to church, visited the beach, went shopping, and watched a big game. Nothing seemed unusual.

But that morning, people north of Miami found themselves scrambling to survive torrential downpours and floods. For a few hours, a freak storm dumped more than fifteen inches of rain on a small area. The impact was dramatic. For these people, everything changed in minutes.

Storms can strike just like this. One moment, everything can seem normal, but then, without warning, circumstances can change! Conditions may seem calm for some but turbulent for others. Many are not prepared for storms in the world or their spiritual lives, for tribulations and trials, for the coming of the Lord.

Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven was like a group of virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Some were foolish, and some were prudent (vs. 1-2). The prudent virgins were ready for his return, but the foolish were not prepared.

Jesus warned us to “be on the alert.” We don’t “know the day nor the hour” (v. 13). He could return at any minute. But we also might encounter various storms.

Today, be sure you are ready for whatever comes along. Fill your mind with God’s Word. Pray and seek His wisdom. Don’t compromise or be distracted. Ask for His help. Be ready!

Reflection Question: How can you prepare for life’s storms?