Be Vigilant—watch and Pray

A few years ago, after a Women’s Ministries Advisory meeting, eight of us directors of the different sections within our union headed for the railway station. Excited to return home after a week of meetings, we enthusiastically chatted and shared the experiences of the past week. We had arrived early to catch our train, and after a while we heard an announcement informing us that the train had been delayed by an hour.

No problem! We continued our chatting.

After an hour had passed, another announcement informed us there would be an additional hour delay. But after the second hour had ticked by, there were no further announcements—and still no train. We all began to grow tired.

Along with everyone else who waited on the platform, we were sleepy. Some began to stretch and settle down as they dozed off. It was past midnight when suddenly an announcement split the air. The train was arriving—on another platform! We scrambled, hurriedly gathering our luggage, and ran to the new platform. The train had finally arrived. People rushed here and there, desperate to reach the train and find a seat. Confusion reigned everywhere as I prayed, thanking God that everyone in our group had managed to board the train—just in time! This experience reminded me of Jesus’ story of the ten sleeping bridesmaids who were waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. I reflected on the condition of those waiting for the second coming of the Lord. We await our Lord’s return. Is the love and enthusiasm we had at the start of our spiritual journey still vibrant, or is it slowly fading away? Has the delay in Jesus’ return left us feeling lethargic? We are tired, I know. Are we falling asleep? When the trumpet of the archangel sounds, splitting the air, will we be found ready to meet the Bridegroom? Did we remember to put extra oil in our vessels? Are our lamps trimmed and burning? My friends, any moment now, the announcement may sound, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (Matthew 25:6, KJV). If we are vigilant, we will be ready when He calls. Let us not slack in keeping ourselves ready. Let us watch and pray, that we may be filled and strengthened by the Holy Spirit! Jesus is coming soon!

Jeyarani Sundarsingh