Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. – Matthew 25:13 (NKJV)
Have you ever found yourself running on empty? Perhaps you’ve been so busy looking after everyone else that you’ve forgotten to take care of yourself.
In Matthew 25:1–13, Jesus tells the parable of ten bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. Five were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and came unprepared. When the bridegroom arrived, the unprepared bridesmaids had to leave to buy oil. By the time they returned, the door was shut.
1. Don’t Let Your Spiritual Oil Run Dry
It’s easy to become so caught up in work, family, and daily responsibilities that we neglect our relationship with God. We may still go to church, say our prayers, and read the Bible, but are we making time to nurture our faith?
Practical application: Set aside time each day to pray and spend time in God’s Word. Don’t leave your spiritual nourishment to whatever spare time you have.
2. You Cannot Borrow Someone Else’s Oil
The five wise bridesmaids could not share their extra oil with the others. There’s a lesson here: we cannot depend on someone else’s faith to sustain our own. Our parents’ faith, our spouse’s faith, or even our church community cannot replace our personal relationship with God.
Practical application: Develop your own walk with God. Don’t simply rely on someone else’s prayers, encouragement, or spiritual experiences.
3. Don’t Keep Putting It Off
The foolish bridesmaids waited until the bridegroom arrived before realising they weren’t prepared. By then, it was too late.
How often do we postpone spending time with God? We tell ourselves we’ll pray more when life gets less busy or read the Bible when we have more time.
Practical application: Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start today. Make room for God in your everyday life.
A Prayer to Keep My Lamp Burning
Lord Jesus, forgive me for allowing life’s busyness to drain my spiritual life. Help me make time for You and nurture a faith that is alive and growing. Don’t let me keep postponing what matters most. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me keep my lamp burning as I wait for You. Amen.