Matthew 24:42-44: Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Everyone goes through a waiting period. It is that period during which we desperately attempt to reconcile the realities of life with the expectations that we have. For most people, the waiting period is not easy. In a bid to cope, many give themselves to thinking and talking.
If you pay close attention though, the conversations and thoughts revolve around the salient question- “what should I do while waiting?”
In today’s text, God’s message to us at all times is two words: stay awake. To His child in a period of waiting, Jesus repeats the same message He gave to all who await His return- remain spiritually awake.
Imagine that you just flew into a new country and have a need to move around, naturally, you would be compelled to look for a vehicle to transport you to your destination. Suppose that by Divine providence, you stumble upon a bus stop just a few blocks away from the airport, and as you attempt to purchase your ticket, you are told that the next bus is the last one getting into the city. You had planned to take a brief nap before embarking on your transit, but because it is getting very late, you realise there’s a serious risk of being stranded. For most of us, it is a no-brainer. You will stay awake, and wait for the bus.
This is precisely what Matthew 24 describes. The Father has put a goal in mind, but we must remain awake to get it. The posture we adopt in the waiting period must also be carried on into our daily lives. The message of Jesus is not only addressed to the waiting periods of our lives, but to the totality of our lives. While you wait, keep the Word of God in your heart, and depend on the Holy Spirit to quicken you constantly.
Anything that keeps you spiritually awake is worth doing. Remember God is working His eternal purpose in your life even if you might not feel it right now. Just as it takes time to cultivate precious fruit, the time it takes for God to transit us through seasons might appear long. But be encouraged, dear friend, God is never late. You will be fruitful, and it will be evident to all!
James 5:7-8: Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (NKJV)
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me to stay awake, and wait for your timing. Help me to see things from your perspective. May your peace rule over my heart always in Jesus’ Name, Amen.