Devotion – Ready and Prepared (365/159)
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Spiritual readiness is not built in a moment, but cultivated through a lifetime of faithful worship, prayer, and expectancy.
Widowed at a young age, Anna devoted herself to a life of worship, fasting, and prayer. The Bible tells us that "she never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37). For years, she waited with expectant hope for God's promised redemption. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus into the temple, Anna recognized Him immediately, giving thanks to God, she spoke about Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem (v38). She did not miss the Messiah because she had never stopped seeking Him.
Jesus told a parable about ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). Five were wise and prepared, while five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom arrived unexpectedly, the foolish virgins were caught without oil and missed the wedding feast.
Anna's years of devotion had cultivated spiritual readiness. The unprepared, foolish virgins assumed there would always be more time.
Jesus is the Bridegroom for whom we wait. He came once in humility and will come again in glory. Until then, He calls His people to watch, pray, and remain faithful (Matthew 24:42).
Pause and Ponder
Am I cultivating habits that keep my heart attentive to God's presence and purposes?
Have I become spiritually complacent, assuming there will always be more time to seek the Lord?
If Christ returned today, would He find me watching, waiting, and ready?
May we walk closely with the Lord today, so that when He returns, our hearts will recognize and be ready for the One we have faithfully followed.
Lord Jesus, help me to seek You daily and to live with joyful anticipation of Your return. Amen.
Extended Reading: Luke 2:36-38; Matthew 25:1-13
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