“Jesus began to say to them, ‘See that no one leads you astray…. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
“’But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them… And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved…
“‘Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.’” Mark 13:5-9,13,33-37
“[Jesus] came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:37-38
“You are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6
The Lord Jesus carefully prepared His disciples for what was to come, telling them many details they would only later understand. He repeatedly warned them to stay awake, be on guard. Vigilance coincides with alert sobriety of spirit and mind. Alarming events and painful tribulations would occur, and their ability to endure would come from being alert and aware, staying awake, and pre-praying their reactions. (John 14:26)
It can be our bent to make every worldly preparation for coming storms in material ways, but to neglect spiritual attention. A threatening weather forecast, a tenuous or volatile relationship, or ongoing financial uncertainty might force us to take immediate cover, but then we fall asleep and never prep our souls. In the Christian life, troubles and opposition never stop, so it is vital we remain awake to what is occurring now and what will come as far as we can know, and fortify our spirits in readiness. (Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 4:6-8; 1 Peter 3:15)
Where have we grown slothful by relying on past attempts at remedy or defenses, and failed to know the condition of our flocks today? Are we weak in commitment or resolve? How are we preparing daily by way of study and rigorous fellowship to nurture and strengthen mind and spirit in the truth? Keen attention makes for careful, bold living. (Proverbs 27:23)
Lord, expose and extricate any spiritual grogginess, malaise, or laxity, and awaken all my being to engage whatever You bring with humble confidence.
As the rain and snow 