05/21/2026
This morning during my Bible study, I spent time in Matthew 25:1–13 — the parable of the ten virgins. As I reflected on it, I began to see this passage through the lens of faith-based leadership, business, and God-given assignments.
The story tells of ten virgins who were given the assignment of meeting the bridegroom. They all had the same goal. They were all expecting his arrival. But there was one major difference between them:
Five were prepared for the delay.
Five were not.
The wise virgins carried oil in their lamps and brought extra oil with them. The others carried only enough for the moment.
As leaders, that speaks volumes.
The lamp represented their ability to see and move forward. In many ways, it symbolizes the responsibility each of us has to prepare for our own progress, growth, and stewardship of what God has entrusted to us.
But then something happened that happens to all of us at times:
There was a delay.
The bridegroom did not arrive when expected.
And because of the delay, everyone fell asleep.
That part stood out to me.
Even faithful people can grow tired while waiting.
Even committed leaders can become weary in the process.
Even those with vision can lose momentum when things don’t happen according to their timeline.
But then suddenly — while they were asleep — the moment they had been waiting for arrived.
The opportunity came.
The door opened.
The call happened.
And this is where the story becomes deeply personal.
Five were ready when the moment arrived.
Five intended to get ready when the moment arrived.
There is a difference.
Many of us are working on God-given assignments, visions, businesses, ministries, books, programs, and leadership initiatives. But when things slow down, it becomes easy to slow down spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or strategically.
We tell ourselves:
“I’ll prepare when things start moving.”
“I’ll get serious when the opportunity comes.”
“I’ll finish it later.”
“I’ll have time.”
But this parable reminds us that God may already be moving behind the scenes in ways we cannot yet see.
And because of that, we cannot afford to wait until the door opens to prepare ourselves to walk through it.
We must get ready — and stay ready.
Because if we are not already ready, then we are not ready.
Almost ready is not ready.
Getting ready is not ready.
Ready is ready.
As I reflected on this passage, I had to ask myself some honest questions:
Which group do I look like in this season?
Not in theory.
Not historically.
But right now.
Am I truly prepared for the thing I say I’m believing God for?
And if not, what do I need to start doing — or stop doing — to ensure my lamp is full of oil?
For me, “oil” became symbolic of the things that keep me spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and professionally prepared:
Prayer.
Discipline.
Focus.
Consistency.
Faith.
Obedience.
Rest.
Study.
Preparation.
Ex*****on.
I had to ask myself:
Where am I running low?
What needs to be replenished?
What adjustments need to be made while I wait?
Because while I am waiting, I no longer want to simply mark time.
I want to prepare for the time I’ve been praying for.
So today, I leave you with this question:
If the opportunity, assignment, breakthrough, or open door you’ve been praying for arrived today… would you truly be ready?
And if the answer is no, that’s okay — because awareness is the beginning of preparation.
But now is the time to refill your oil.
Get ready.
Be ready.
Stay ready.
