The Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Power of Preparation

In the parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus gives us a vivid picture of what the kingdom of heaven is like here on earth. He describes ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and set out on a journey to meet the bridegroom.

The kingdom of heaven isn’t just about a journey—it is a journey of intentionality to the very core. The bridesmaids longed to see their groom, so they set out. Likewise, in singleness, we must be intentional about our journey. It is not just about waiting but about preparing ourselves for what lies ahead. We must sit with ourselves, desire, and decide where we want to end up—whether that means marriage, a life of purpose, or deeper intimacy with God.

However, having good intentions and desires is never enough. Actions need to follow. The bridesmaids desired to meet the bridegroom, but desire alone wasn’t enough. They needed to prepare properly. In the same way, many singles desire a godly relationship or marriage, yet they fail to take the necessary steps to become the right person for such a calling. It’s like wanting a deeper relationship with God but not reading His Word or praying. It’s like wanting to meet someone but never working on personal growth. Desires without action are wasted potential.

This parable also shows that taking action isn’t enough if it’s not the right action. The ten bridesmaids all took action—they left their starting place. But five were still unprepared. In singleness, are we truly preparing ourselves, or are we just going through the motions?

Is our obedience half-hearted or complete?

The five foolish bridesmaids failed to prepare well. They carried lamps but didn’t bring enough oil. In singleness, this can be likened to someone wanting a Christ-centered marriage but neglecting spiritual, emotional, or personal growth. It’s like setting out on a journey from Lagos to Anambra but not carrying enough money for transportation—you’ll get stranded before reaching your destination.

Desiring a godly relationship or marriage is great, but do you have what it takes? Are you developing the character, wisdom, and faith to sustain it? The foolish bridesmaids didn’t anticipate how long the wait would be. Likewise, many singles grow weary and impatient, settling for relationships that don’t align with God’s plan instead of trusting His timing.

Relating this parable to singleness, we have heard stories of love, marriage, and God’s design for relationships. Many of us desire a godly partner, just like the ten virgins who desire to meet the bridegroom. But how prepared are we? Do we have the oil of wisdom, patience, self-control, and faith to sustain the journey? Or are we just waiting idly, hoping things will fall into place?

• How much of God do we carry in our season of singleness?
• How well are we preparing for the future we desire?
• Are we filling our hearts with the wisdom of God or merely being led by emotions?
• Have we surrendered our timeline to God, or are we trying to rush ahead of Him?

The five wise bridesmaids were prepared—they took extra oil. They anticipated the wait. They understood that preparation goes beyond what is seen. Many singles grow weary when love seems delayed. Some compromise, while others lose hope. But true preparation means staying ready even in the waiting.

These bridesmaids fell asleep while waiting, just like many of us become weary in singleness. But when the time came, those who were prepared were able to meet the bridegroom. Preparation must come before the opportunity. When the time comes, will you be ready? Or will you be caught unprepared, scrambling to fix what should have been worked on long ago?

The foolish ones tried to borrow oil, but it was too late. In the same way, we cannot borrow someone else’s preparation. Marriage or relationships will not complete you—they will reveal how well you’ve prepared. Singleness is a time for becoming, not just waiting.

This is why the ending matters more than the beginning. Many start the journey of faith or singleness with good intentions, but only those who stay prepared will enter into God’s best for them. The Bible reminds us in Luke 9:62: “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Verse 13 says: “So you too must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”

Likewise, in singleness, we must be alert, growing, and preparing. We should not sit passively but be purposeful in our waiting. Whether marriage is in God’s plan for us or not, we must be fully devoted to His purpose, trusting His timing.

As we reflect on the lessons of the ten virgins, it’s clear that preparation is key—not just for meeting the bridegroom, but for any journey in life, including relationships. Singleness is not just a waiting season, but a time to intentionally grow, build character, and prepare for the future God has in store.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts where we’ll dive deeper into how to prepare for a godly and purposeful relationship, centred on faith and wisdom. Your journey of preparation starts now.

Lord, help us to prepare wisely and not waste our waiting season. Amen.