Be Prepared in the Waiting

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13 

Reflection: In Matthew 25, Jesus shares the parable of the ten virgins, a story that hits close to home for me. Ten young women waited for the bridegroom, lamps in hand, eager for the wedding feast. Five were wise, bringing extra oil; five were foolish, unprepared for the delay. When the bridegroom finally arrived at midnight, the wise were ready, but the foolish scrambled, their lamps flickering out. They were not prepared in the waiting. They begged for oil, but the wise wouldn’t share, so they had to go to the store. When they returned, it was too late. The door shut, and the foolish heard the heartbreaking words, “I do not know you” (v. 12). Jesus ends with a sobering call: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (v. 13).

This parable reminds me of a moment from our family’s 2019 Caribbean cruise, a “senior trip” for my kids. In St. Thomas, we wandered without a plan, unlike our usual shore excursions booked through the cruise line, which guaranteed we’d never be left behind. That day, we hopped on a tour truck, thinking we had time. But as I glanced at the ship’s schedule, my anxiety went into full swing—we’d miscalculated. People were rushing back, and we were about to be left on the island. Panicked, I asked the driver to turn around. Thankfully, we made it back, but I still shudder at the thought of waving helplessly as the ship sailed away.

That close call mirrors the parable’s warning. The foolish virgins thought they had enough oil, just like I thought we had enough time. However, delays, miscalculations, and poor planning occur—life gets messy, and Jesus’ return remains unpredictable. We can’t rely on someone else’s faith or last-minute fixes. My parents’ devotion, my husband’s love for God, or even my years in church won’t get me through heaven’s door. It’s about my heart and my commitment to Jesus.

There are times when it is easy to be unprepared spiritually, too. Times of coasting, distracted by life’s busyness—work, kids, schedules—forgetting to nurture our relationships with God. Like the foolish virgins, sometimes it is easy to assume there will be time later to “get ready.” But Jesus calls us to live expectantly, every day. For me, that means daily prayer, reading Scripture, and listening and obeying the Holy Spirit, even when I’m tired or overwhelmed. It’s choosing to trust God’s timing in life and in His return, knowing He’s patient, not slow, and wanting all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Application: Are you ready for Jesus’ return or the end of your days? It’s a heavy question, but the Holy Spirit is gentle, nudging us to reflect. 

Have you accepted Jesus’ sacrifice, letting Him into your heart? If so, does your life show it? 

A great question to ask often is “Am I following Jesus halfheartedly, or am I all in, letting Him transform me?”

Think about your daily choices—do they reflect a life prepared for eternity? 

If you feel unprepared, start now. Pray, confess, and ask Jesus to guide you. Find a trusted friend or pastor to pray with you. Don’t wait for a crisis to get your “oil” ready.

Prayer: Jesus, I want to be ready for You. Forgive me for the times I’ve been distracted or unprepared. Fill me with Your Spirit, help me trust Your timing, and show me how to live expectantly. Thank You for Your patience and love that never give up on me. Guide my steps to follow You fully, today and always. Amen.

I’m grateful for God’s grace that keeps calling me deeper in my walk and preparation for eternity, just like He’s calling you. Let’s stay ready together, keeping our lamps burning bright for Jesus.