When the Coronavirus struck and we moved into shelter-in-place mode, I thought, “This is going to give me a few days where I don’t have to do my hair, put on any makeup, or cover up my greys. Shoot, I might even be able to spend a few days in my jammies.” This was a short-lived notion. It was not long before the inquiries started coming in asking me to participate in an array of virtual activities. Though many of our live bookings had been canceled, God had not taken a time out. He was on the move, doing what He does best by utilizing broken circumstances to point people to Himself.
While it has been a time for some to take a much-needed break, it was not a time for me to rest. Instead, I sensed the charge that I must always be ready. No matter what the circumstances look like, I need to be prepared to answer Jesus’ call. I wish I could tell you that this was the first time God has had to deal with me in this area. But no. I’ve decided that a time out was in order on multiple occasions, only to learn that was not God’s plan at all.
Throughout the whole pandemic season there was one passage that has repeatedly come to mind and it ties into this idea of being ready rather well.
It can be found in Matthew 25:1-13: “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
I know that there are various interpretations of this passage, but what rises to the surface (for me) is the need for readiness. When Jesus comes for us, it will not be someone else’s oil that gets us into heaven. It will be based upon our own faith and relationship with Him. We will not be able to decide that we need some of that oil, or faith, after the fact. The Scripture is clear that the door will be closed. If Jesus came for you tonight or tomorrow, do you have a right relationship with Him?
Are you ready?
In addition, I’ve encountered a few other areas where readiness is essential.
The first concerns useability. I remember many years ago when I struggled with alcohol, someone shared, “If you are drinking (if you are full of wine), what will you do when a friend calls in crisis late in the night? And naturally, I soon received a call from someone who needed support. But, because I had been drinking, I was not able to offer my best. I expended more energy trying to sound clear than I did encouraging the caller. Such a painful lesson to recall.
We must ask ourselves… How capable am I to lead others if I have persistent sin, have an unrepentant thought life, or harbor unforgiveness and anger in my heart? How capable am I to lead someone if I am disconnected from God? How effectively can I overflow from God’s abundance when I am filled up with everything but Him? Am I living in my spiritual pajamas or am I getting up each day, putting on my spiritual armor, and living prepared for service?
Believing Jesus won’t ever call on you is a lie. He is watching and looking for those who have their hand raised saying, “Here I am, Lord. Send me.” Jesus asked His Disciples to stay awake with Him in the garden and they fell asleep. He asked for their support and engagement, and they chose their pajamas.
God has shown me over and over, and in various ways, that I always need to be ready. As 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.” Where in your life, if anywhere, are you asleep?
We must be ready when it comes to our salvation.
We must be ready if God calls on us to be used.
And I believe that we also need to be ready physically.
Physical readiness is not exactly a subject some folks appreciate me talking about. I’m not a fan either, to be honest. But God has continually challenged me to remain strong for service, both spiritually and physically. This means that I need to take care of my body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. As Paul tells us, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
This is primarily a spiritual charge, but it can also be a physical one. For the sake of strength, vitality, and longevity, it is important for us to pour life and health into our vessels. Eat well, take walks, drink water, get up, and greet the day expectantly. In what areas does your body need to be treated like the temple that it is?
Please know, I am not sharing all this because I have attained these standards. On the contrary, like you, I am a work in progress. But what matters, is that we are progressing and growing in the midst of circumstances that want to render us ineffective. If you are anything like me, strong reminders like this are needed. And that is the good news: we have a Savior who cares about the details of our lives (Matthew 6:26). Through Scripture, the power of the Holy Spirit, a whole bunch of humility on our part, and His grace, we are miraculously guided.
I’ll be the first to admit that if not for Him, none of this would even be on my radar. I’d just be fast asleep or hangin’ out in my jammies.
Love, M
