03/18/2026
We wanted to share this post with you, written by Ashley Wielenga:
I will prepare with more oil, not more worry.
There is a lot in this world that is not fun to think about - hate, rumors of wars, natural disasters, AI becoming more and more involved, health crises, etc.
A month or so ago, I was reminded about a story about 10 ladies waiting to enter a wedding banquet, but the groom had been delayed so they had to wait. Soon enough, their oil lamps started to go out, but 5 had brought more oil in jars and the 5 who did not had to leave to go buy more. In that same time it was taking them to buy more, the groom came, the reception started, and the door was locked. They were left out because they had not prepared... not by worrying about the situation, but because they didn't have more oil.
Many times, oil refers to Holy Spirit.
I will prepare by walking with Holy Spirit, not more worrying and grasping at control.
The lamps that lit the path were not like lanterns, they were like those in the picture- just enough for the step right in front of you, no more. You didn't know if there was a cliff up ahead, robbers, a snake, etc. Worrying about it didn't change it, but trusting you had enough oil to see it, when, and if, you ever saw it mattered.
Check in with Holy Spirit every step of your day. Is there someone you should talk to, is there something you should take along, should I go today or tomorrow, how should I phrase this response, please give me an extra measure of patience, keep my brain where my feet are planted, what should I be seeing or noticing that I'm currently not, etc.
It's not hard, per say - but it is a choice... and then obedience needs to follow to show trust.
Prepare with more oil, not worry. ❤️🔥
