While we wait for Christ’s return, the Spirit equips us to live faithfully in light of our redemption in Christ.
Most of us have experienced a nightmare in which we arrive for a work presentation or a school exam unprepared. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been to school in a decade or to work in weeks—the panic of being unprepared sets in, and you wonder how you could have forgotten to study or do the work necessary to perform well. For me, I wake up in a state of stress and don’t calm down until I realize the scenario isn’t real.
The parable of the ten virgins feels like this nightmare. How could the five, foolish virgins not have been prepared to meet the groom? They obviously knew what needed to be prepared, yet they were foolish enough to forget to bring plenty of oil with them to keep their lamps burning until he arrived.
We should heed the warning that comes with a life not prepared to glorify Christ daily and welcome His return. We don’t want to miss the kingdom of God at work in this world today or the return of our bridegroom Jesus.
The five, wise virgins who came prepared with extra oil for their lamps remind me of a woman who is living a life of “holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11). Though she may not know the hour of her groom’s return, she endures the wait. Easier said than done, I know. For a follower of Jesus, His coming kingdom can sometimes feel like a mystery too difficult to understand and a promise that seems too far away to actualize.
Thankfully, the mystery has been made known: “You know the way I am going,” Jesus tells His disciples (John 14:4). Jesus Himself has gone before us, prepared a home for us, and will lead us. He reassures His disciples, saying, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (v.1). We can rest now, knowing that kingdom-living is not impossible because we have assurance for our future place in God’s kingdom and the Holy Spirit to help us live faithfully today.
We are asked to wait, trusting in Jesus’s promise. Peter tells the church that “based on [Jesus’s] promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells… Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight, at peace” (2Peter 3:13–14). Let’s be women who are prepared—not anxious for the future because we walk with Jesus who presents us as a spotless bride, but eager with anticipation as we wait for our bridegroom to lead us to the banquet table.
Victoria E, praying for you and your husband. I have witnessed a friend with repeated miscarriages and successfully had a baby girl just through prayers. They were shocked and overwhelmed with joy. “Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son” Genesis 18:14. Fill in your name and pray to the Lord, as He did it for Sarah, He too will do it for you. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Just believe in His promise. Keep your praise and thanks for God. Awaiting for your good news!
Having the lamp is not enough, but remember to bring plenty of oil (fuel). Invest in your oil right now. Lamp without oil is useless in the dark hours of the night. Those virgins that have zero oil, Jesus says to them, I don’t know you. But whoever loves God is known by God (1 Corinthians 8:3). Maintain your love for Him, keep your love going (love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength). Dwell in His presence daily to fuel that love so it won’t die out. Carry His light with that love you demonstrate for His name. Be a virgin. Keep your purity. In the unknown moment of the night, all ten virgins fall asleep, all slumber, the disciples could not stay up, they too slumbered, and the thief in the night came. But a call will be given so we can wake up. What a parable. May God give us wisdom and diligence to manage our oil. Manage your oil. Whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).
Congratulations Sarah! We are proud of you!
Angela- the good news is that if we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us! Rejoice in this!
Sheryl Thank you so so much for your prayer !
Free indeed- thank you! I pray God’s blessing over you as well!
WOW!! Thank you so very much for your sweet prayers, encouragement, and advice over the past few days. I am truly taking it all in and I am so encouraged. I read every comment on here daily, and I am so blown away by the care and good intentions this community shares for each other. This is Jesus at work in us. Thank you, Lord!!
I have been repeating this phrase to myself: the truest thing about me is that I am fully known, fully loved, and fully forgiven by God. There are other things that are true, a lot of them that I am not proud of. But that is the TRUEST thing. And thank you Lord that it will always be more important than anything else!! It has given me so much freedom to remember that no matter I FEEL based on my emotions and circumstances, this is TRUE based on scripture!
VICTORIA E, praying for you right now, sweet girl! Praying that through all of the heartbreak and pain and difficulties, God would bless your faith and endurance with the birth of a beautiful child! Holy Spirit, wrap your comfort and peace around them as they go through this next round of IVF and that their prayers will be answered!