Friday 1 January 2021

on being ready for the unexpected

Happy New Year! I wish you every blessing for 2021. If last year taught us anything it is that the unexpected is always around the corner, so I will refrain from making any predictions about what lies in store for us. Whatever it brings, we must ensure we are in a state of spiritual readiness to respond to whatever life brings.


Jesus told his followers a parable to illustrate this point (Matthew 25.1-13). The bridesmaids at a wedding were due to greet the bridegroom at night. Each bridesmaid carried an oil-burning lamp so they could see in the dark. However, not all of them had brought spare oil with them, and their lamps went out. While they were away buying new oil, the bridegroom arrived and the prepared bridesmaids went into the banquet with him. When the others arrived, their lamps replenished, it was too late and the door was locked.


For us as Christians, keeping on top of our devotional life helps us to be alert to what God requires of us. The mission of the church has been described as ‘seeing what God is up to in the world and joining in.’ Only when we stayed tuned into God through daily prayer can we discern that. When we do, we also discover greater inner resilience and resources to deal with the unexpected. Whatever 2021 brings, I pray it will a year in which you can deepen your walk with God.

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