But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36

Watch and Bake–I Mean, Pray!

The day after Thanksgiving, I was in the kitchen elbow-deep in pie crust and custard, preparing for a family holiday gathering. While my actions were intent on the task at hand, my mind was ever present on waiting for my husband to get home safely from shopping in town. Every 15 minutes or so, I would glance out the kitchen window when I would hear a car that sounded like his coming down the street towards our home. I didn’t sit and do nothing while waiting—I kept busy doing what needed to be done to prepare for the days to come—BUT I never forgot that he would be coming home at any minute. Each time I looked and there was no sign of his car or the telltale sound of his engine slowing around the corner, I was back to the task, working faithfully. After awhile it actually became a game of sorts—how much can I accomplish before he returns? I could easily have been distracted by one of my frivolous tablet games or mindless Facebook scrolling, which would have left me behind and not ready for his return.

My mind was drawn to compare this scenario to what we are to be doing while waiting for Christ’s return. We are instructed in the Word to do the same—as in the parable of the minas in Luke 19:11-26—being faithful with what He has given us. At the same time, we are to be watching for His return.

Matthew 24:42 says, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”

Working until He returns does not mean filling my life with activity and busyness for the sake of filling up time, nor does it mean I should do nothing, simply waiting for His return. If I want to know what He is calling me to do while I wait for His return, I need to stay faithful in the Word, asking Him what He has to say to me, and keeping short accounts when He shows me sin in my life.

“Heavenly Father, often I mistake activity for authentic action You are calling me to. I substitute what I think MUST be done first before spending quality time with You. I know that this world is not my home and I want to be faithfully working in Your kingdom, watching and waiting. Thank You for helping me see the comparisons in my daily life.”