July 6: Ready at Any Hour

Ready at Any Hour

Matthew 24:44 (KJV)

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 
Kings Seventh-day Adventist 

For years, I noticed something interesting about my son.

He slept on only one side of his bed. At first, I thought it was simply a habit or a preference. But what caught my attention was what occupied the other side.

Neatly arranged beside him would be everything he needed for school the next day. His uniform would be laid out carefully. His socks would be paired and ready. His lotion, cologne, school bag, and any other items he needed would already be in place before he went to sleep.

Night after night, the pattern remained the same.

One day I finally asked him why he went through all that trouble.

His answer was simple.

"I don't want to be late for school."

He understood something that many adults struggle to learn. Preparation is easier when it happens before the moment arrives.

He did not wait until morning to search for his socks. He did not wait until the alarm sounded to begin looking for his uniform. He did not leave things to chance and hope everything would work out. Instead, he prepared in advance because he knew what was coming.

As I reflected on his routine, I was reminded of the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:44:

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

The Christian life is not simply about believing that Jesus is coming again. It is about living in a state of readiness for His return.

Many people acknowledge that Christ is coming, but readiness requires more than acknowledgment. It requires preparation. Just as my son arranged everything he needed before going to sleep, believers are called to keep their hearts prepared for the return of the Lord.

The reality is that none of us knows the day or the hour when Christ will return. We cannot mark it on a calendar or schedule it into our plans. Jesus made it clear that His coming will occur at a time when many are not expecting it.

That is why readiness matters.

A prepared heart does not live in fear. A prepared heart lives in expectation.

A prepared heart seeks daily fellowship with God.

A prepared heart walks in obedience to His Word.

A prepared heart extends forgiveness, pursues holiness, and remains faithful even when no one is watching.

Every evening my son prepared for the certainty of tomorrow's school day. As believers, we are called to prepare for the certainty of Christ's return. The difference is that while my son knew exactly when school would begin, we do not know when our Lord will appear.

Yet the principle remains the same.

Those who are prepared have no reason to panic when the moment arrives.

Today, let us examine our hearts. Are we merely aware that Jesus is coming, or are we living in readiness for His return? Are there things we keep putting off that God has asked us to address? Are we walking closely with Him each day?

The Lord's return is not meant to frighten His children. It is meant to inspire faithful living and joyful anticipation. One day the trumpet will sound, and those who belong to Him will see Him face to face.

May we be found ready.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that Jesus is coming again. Help me to live each day in readiness and obedience. Keep my heart focused on what matters most and teach me to walk faithfully with You. May I never become complacent or distracted, but remain prepared for the day when I will stand before You. In Jesus' name, Amen.