In Due SeasonSample

Preparing Your Equipment The Bible talks about the ten virgins who were waiting for their bridegroom. This story is a parable that relates to the ultimate harvest, the coming of Jesus Christ. However, we can also relate this to any harvest that we are waiting on God for. The Word says, it is foolish not to be in preparation for the appointed time of when the promise will be fulfilled, and if we do not do proper preparation when the harvest season comes we may miss the opportunity. Concerning our farming metaphor, much preparation goes into making sure a harvest is successful. When farmers prepare for a harvest, they typically start to do so in the wintertime after harvest season, which means they are preparing for their harvest up to a year in advance or more. If they wait longer, they may not have the equipment that is needed when the harvest is ripe. There is also another part of this story that people often skip. In waiting for the bridegroom, all the virgins fell asleep. I liken that to entering God’s rest. While we are waiting for our harvest, God does not want us to be anxious. He wants us to trust that the promise is coming and stay alert for its manifestation. In farming, there is a practice in which after a harvest, the farmers allow the land to rest, so that it can replenish its nutrients. In the same way, throughout the seasons when we are waiting on God, we need to find a way to enter into His rest and be content in our “middle” seasons. As we look at our lives, what are we waiting on God for that can be likened to a harvest? It could be a promotion, a spouse, graduation, or a new job. Whatever we are waiting for, we need to make sure that in the middle season, we are doing what needs to be done to ensure our hearts and minds are right before the opportunity presents itself. The five virgins deemed as wise had their lamps ready to be lit when their bridegroom came. What are the things in our lives that we need to get ready before our harvest? Reflection: 1\. What does it mean for you to enter into "God's rest"? 2\. What are the things in your life that are not prepared if God's promise was to come today? Prayer: Dear Jesus, Lord help me to identify what aspects I need to prepare for my promise. While I am waiting, help me not to be anxious and enter into Your rest. In Jesus name, Amen