Always Ready for His Surprise
The Lord often arrives quietly, through the doorway you didn’t expect to open today
Oswald Chambers challenges us to live in a state of constant readiness—not just for the final return of Jesus, but for His unexpected moments of appearing in our daily lives. He isn’t talking about looking toward the clouds for some cosmic return but watching for the often-unannounced arrivals of Christ in the moments we deem ordinary or even chaotic. Chambers warns that we can become so preoccupied—even with Christian service—that we miss these surprise visits from Jesus.
The real battle isn’t against sin or difficult circumstances, but against distraction. Distraction dulls the sense of expectancy. Christ shows up in illogical chains of events, through people and places we’d least suspect. He wants us childlike—awestruck and open—not religious and rigid. The moment we start depending on spiritual culture rather than spiritual reality, we’ve already begun to fall asleep at the gate.
Readiness isn’t about being theologically correct or useful in some human measurement of effectiveness. It’s about walking in spiritual reality. It's being aware that Christ might appear through the interruption, the inconvenience, the burden of the day. And if we're tuned into Him rather than the culture—even the Christian one—we’ll be available for Him to visit others through us. Chambers reminds us: Don’t trust anyone, no matter how devout, if they block your clear view of Jesus. Stay ready. He’s coming where you don’t expect Him.
Journal Entry In the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I have made My dwelling in you, and I am with you always, even to the end of the age. I walk with you not just in your highs or your planned quiet moments, but in every shadowed hallway and sunlit pause. Be watchful, not because I am distant, but because My movement is often subtle. I come in the rustle of the ordinary, in the weariness of your long day, in the voice of the one you were about to dismiss. You must stay awake, for I will arrive like a thief in the night, not to rob you, but to awaken you to joy.
Do not harden your heart when I appear in a form you didn’t anticipate—in a sudden delay, a canceled appointment, or an unexpected question. I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice, open wide, for I wish to dine with you, even in the middle of your schedule. The one who abides in Me bears much fruit, but apart from Me, you can do nothing that remains.
You are a light in Me, not by effort, but because I am the Light within you. Let your lamp be trimmed and your eyes clear, for the Son of Man will appear when the world is sleeping, and I will visit through you if you are yielded. Be ready—not by effort, but by abiding. You have no need to worry what you will do when I come; just remain in Me, and you will recognize Me when I arrive.
I will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Me, because he trusts in Me. So cast aside the pressure to perform and be useful. Instead, live as one already made ready in Me, for I Myself am your readiness.
Scriptures woven in: Matthew 28:20, Luke 12:39-40, Revelation 3:20, John 15:5, Matthew 25:1-13, Isaiah 26:3
Prayer
Father, thank You for the truth that readiness isn’t something I manufacture—it’s something I experience as I walk in You. I rest in the assurance that Christ lives in me, moment by moment, and that His Spirit makes me ready without striving. I trust You to appear in the unexpected today—in conversations I hadn’t planned, interruptions I’d rather avoid, and needs that seem inconvenient. Let me receive each one with childlike wonder, knowing that You often arrive in disguise. Keep my focus fixed on Christ alone, not on the cultural trappings of religion, and not even on what others think is practical or impressive. I rejoice that You’ve already made me ready in Him.
Amen.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Devotional Credit: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers