Be Prepared
Imagine This
A group of Boy Scouts gathers late at night at the edge of a campground. Their scout leader has promised to take them on a hike to a cliffside overlook where the stars are supposed to be incredible. Since the trail is steep and dangerous in the dark, every scout is told to bring a flashlight with fresh batteries.
As they wait, some of the scouts double-check their lights. Others assume theirs will probably last long enough.
The scout leader is delayed. Minutes turn into hours. Some scouts begin to get tired and eventually fall asleep.
Then suddenly, a voice calls out through the camp:
“He’s here! Time to go!”
Everyone jumps up and grabs their gear.
Some switch on their flashlights immediately. Bright beams cut through the darkness.
Others press the button and get only a dim flicker.
Their batteries are nearly dead.
Panic sets in.
“Wait! Share your batteries with us!”
But there isn’t enough power to go around. The unprepared scouts rush off trying to find replacements in the middle of the night.
While they are gone, the scout leader arrives. The prepared scouts follow him up the trail to the overlook.
The others arrive later.
But by then, the group is gone, and the trailhead gate has been locked.
Read Together
Read Matthew 25:1–13 together.
As you read, notice the difference between the scouts was not that some had flashlights and others did not. The difference was who was truly prepared.
Scripture Overview
Jesus tells this parable while teaching about His future return.
Ten virgins wait for the bridegroom to arrive. All of them expect him to come. All of them fall asleep while waiting. But only some prepare enough oil for their lamps to still be burning when the bridegroom finally arrives.
When the call comes at midnight, the difference becomes clear.
The wise virgins are ready.
The foolish ones are not.
The tragedy of the parable is that the foolish virgins are not openly rebellious. They expect the bridegroom to come. They want to join the celebration. They simply are not truly prepared for the delay.
Then Jesus ends with a warning:
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
This parable is about more than the end times. It is about the danger of outward appearance without inward readiness.
It is possible to look prepared for a while. But eventually, what is inside is revealed.
Jesus calls His followers not merely to excitement about His return, but to faithful endurance while waiting.
Talk About It
Why do you think the delay exposed who was truly prepared?
What is the difference between looking ready and actually being ready?
Why is it dangerous to assume someone else’s faith can carry us?
What does faithful preparation look like in everyday life?
Practice This Week
This week, think about areas where your faith may be running on old batteries.
Ask yourself:
Am I actively pursuing God, or just relying on past experiences?
Is my spiritual life prepared for difficulty and delay?
What habits help keep my faith awake and ready?
Choose one practical step this week to strengthen your walk with God before the moment of testing arrives.
Prayer
God, help us to be prepared and faithful while we wait for You. Forgive us for the times we drift, grow careless, or assume we can rely on yesterday’s faithfulness.
Strengthen our hearts and help us remain watchful, ready, and full of endurance. Teach us to follow You faithfully no matter how long the waiting lasts.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
