Are you ready? (CASM 69)

The story of the ten virgins (Matthew 25 KJV) says, that five were wise and five were foolish. Although the story speaks of the coming of the Lord, the principle applies to everyday life. Preparation is paramount and often put on the back burner because we don’t believe the unexpected can happen to us. We think we have time or will have time when it strikes, whatever it is. SPOILER ALERT! Time is not promised. The five foolish virgins missed the opportunity because they had to buy oil for their lamps. When they got back the door was shut. Are you ready? First and foremost, to spend eternity in Heaven. Secondly, to live and survive while on earth.

I don’t want to glaze over eternity in Heaven. Salvation is a heart matter between you and Jesus, and it’s the most important decision you will ever make. It’s trusting 100% in His work on the cross. It’s God’s gift to you through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. On the homepage and throughout the blog are scriptures to help you know Jesus Christ personally and seriously.

A twisted spin on preparation

I have encountered Christians who have an issue with preparing for life events. They say they will trust and wait on the Lord. God will provide and supply for their needs. As true as that statement is, some have put a twisted spin on preparation. Throughout the entire Bible, there are actions we must take and commandments to follow. That means there’s something we must do on our end. For example, Study the Word of God, why? Read 2 Timothy 2:15. Work or don’t eat, 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Ask, Seek, and Knock, Matthew 7:7. Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Mature women are to share proper information with the younger women, Titus 2. Why? Because we are to teach, train, and prepare them to live according to the will of God. Time and effort go into these actions to prepare ourselves to serve, and to hear and receive from God.

The Proverbs 31 woman was not operating in worry or fear and was not relying on her ability. She was utilizing the skills God instilled in her to provide for her family’s immediate and future needs. She was resourceful and a good steward of what God gave her. And because of that she and her family, as well as others, were blessed. Noah did not know the scale for which he was preparing. He had precise measurements and instructions from God for building the ark. He prepared for years. Noah endured a lot and stayed the course. And because of that, he and his family were spared from the flood. The key is taking God’s knowledge and wisdom, and applying it to biblical planning. Are you ready?

Lack of planning

In the story of the ten virgins, five are known as foolish due to their lack of planning. Unfortunately, this is how we remember them. Notice, when they should have been hustling to get oil they chose to get their beauty rest. After a good night’s sleep. They had the audacity to ask the wise virgins for some of their oil. I can only imagine the look on the five wise faces. Then, I can imagine the look on the five foolish faces when they heard NOPE.

Prepare for a better future (link). Think about savings, life insurance, etc. These life matters are your responsibility and It’s not someone else’s problem to tackle the things you are not handling. It’s one thing to need assistance after you have made changes to help your situation. It’s another thing to rely on or assume someone should pick up your slack. Are you trying to get ready? If you are not preparing, please do not misquote or twist God’s word while carelessly abusing His resources.

In conclusion

Scripture proves scripture. The above references show the importance of preparing in Jesus’ name. We must do our part. Then, we can comfortably rest, knowing God will complete it. Take time to reflect on events from previous years. Allow Jesus to show you how to pivot and better prepare for the next phase of life.

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