WISDOM FOR THE DAY DEVOTIONAL
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
TUESDAY 3rd MARCH 2026
TOPIC: PREPARE FOR OPPORTUNITIES
“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” – Matthew 25:5–9 (KJV)
Beloved, how prepared are you for the opportunities and breakthroughs you are expecting from the Lord? According to the Scriptures, the bridegroom arrived at midnight, a moment of suddenness, when most were asleep.
The foolish virgins were unprepared and began to panic, while the wise were calm and ready. How did we know the foolish were unprepared? They took no extra oil. Those who were wise made provision ahead of time.
Opportunities rarely announce their arrival. They often come suddenly and quietly, testing the readiness of those who have been preparing in silence. Your level of preparedness determines whether you can take advantage of the opportunities God brings your way.
Scripture declares, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11 KJV).
Everyone will have moments of divine opportunity, but only those who are ready will maximize them.
You have prayed. You have believed. But the question remains, when the door finally opens, will you be ready to walk through it? When your defining moment comes, will you be positioned to seize it? The wise virgins were ready and went in with the bridegroom. The foolish virgins, however, were left running around and missed their moment.
Beloved, do not let that be your story. Be vigilant. Stay spiritually alert. Keep your oil burning. May you never miss your day of visitation in Jesus’ name.
Further reading: Ecclesiastes 9:11, Ephesians 5:15-17
Daily Bible Reading: Morning – Numbers 26-28, Evening – Mark 8