Part 2
Series: Faithfully Following — Living Ready for His Return
Before we step into this passage, let’s remember where we’ve been.
In Matthew 23, Jesus called out the religious leaders—people who looked devoted on the outside but were far from ready in heart. And now, in Matthew 24 and 25, He turns to His disciples—and to us—with a loving but urgent reminder: Be ready.
Not fearful.
Not frantic.
But faithful.
And before we go any further, let’s pause and ask the same question that keeps echoing through this whole series:
Are we truly ready for Christ’s return?
You know how we prepare for everything?
We track packages like it’s our side hustle.
We pack school lunches with Olympic-level precision.
We check the weather app three times… and still end up wearing the wrong shoes. 😅
If there were a “readiness app,” we’d probably have the premium version by now.
But there’s one thing most of us forget to plan for—the only thing that’s actually guaranteed:
👉 Jesus is coming back.
We don’t know the day or the hour, but we do know this—He told us to be ready.
Rooted in Readiness
In Matthew 24, Jesus paints a picture of what’s ahead—false prophets, confusion, persecution. But His goal isn’t to stir fear; it’s to strengthen faith.
He says,
“The one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
That’s the heart of real readiness.
It’s not about anxious watching—it’s about faithful living.
Because readiness isn’t about knowing when—it’s about knowing Who.
We can trust the One who promised to return, because He’s proven Himself faithful in every generation.
When the World Shakes
Jesus describes the world’s chaos—the wars, the pain, the heartbreak—as “the beginning of birth pains.”
If you’ve ever experienced birth (or even been in the room), you know—those pains mean something’s coming. They grow stronger because new life is about to break through.
It’s the same spiritually.
Our trials aren’t wasted—they’re contractions of redemption.
Every ache, every waiting season, every tear is preparing us for the glory that’s coming.
So when life feels unsteady, don’t give up.
Lean in. Stay steady. Keep your heart rooted.
Because every moment of perseverance whispers this truth:
I believe He’s coming.
Living Awake, Not Anxious
Jesus warns,
“Stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)
But that’s not a command to panic—it’s an invitation to purpose.
Being “awake” means living alert to God’s presence in your ordinary day.
It’s worshiping when no one sees.
Serving when it costs.
Loving when it’s hard.
As David Platt said,
“Christ’s second coming should be on our minds and in our hearts—not in such a way that we stop everything we’re doing and sit still, but in such a way that it affects everything we’re doing.”
That’s it.
Readiness isn’t fear—it’s faith in rhythm.
Rooted Reflection
Maybe your faith has grown quiet lately.
Not gone—just comfortable.
Maybe you’ve been surviving more than staying awake.
Friend, this is your reminder:
Readiness begins in the heart.
It’s not about hustling harder—it’s about coming home to Him.
He’s your source. Your anchor. Your Savior.
Let’s live with hearts steady in hope and hands busy with grace.
Because readiness isn’t about predicting the future—it’s about faithfully living in the present.
Or maybe said another way:
“Living ready doesn’t mean knowing when—it means trusting Who.”
And as we keep walking through this series, let’s keep that grounding question close:
Are we truly ready for Christ’s return?
A Prayer for the Week
Lord, awaken my heart to Your return.
Keep me rooted in faith when life feels uncertain.
Let every choice today reflect my hope in You tomorrow.
Help me live ready—not restless—anchored in Your promises.
Amen.
“Living ready doesn’t mean knowing when—it means trusting Who.”
— Brooke Suzette
Next in the Series:
Compassion Over Neglect — Faith That Gets Its Hands Dirty
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