Knowing the Season:Living Awake in the End Times
- Heather Bradley
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
Have you ever looked around and thought, Something feels different?
Wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, deception, division, hearts growing cold—it all sounds eerily familiar. And that’s because it is.
Jesus told us to pay attention to the signs. Not so we could panic, but so we could prepare our hearts, sharpen our focus, and live with urgency and hope.
“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!”—Matthew 24:32-33 (NKJV)
Jesus didn’t leave us in the dark. He gave us a heads-up. He told us what to watch for, so we’d know the season—not the exact day or hour—but the season.
And friend, we’re in it.
The world is shifting fast. Truth is under attack. Darkness seems to be growing. But here’s the thing: none of this surprises God. And it shouldn’t surprise us either.
“But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day.”—1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 (NIV)
We don’t have to be afraid. But we do need to be awake.
That means:
Living with intentionality
Staying in the Word
Keeping our lamps filled with oil (Matthew 25:1-13)
Watching and praying, not coasting through life on autopilot
Our hope isn’t in this world. Our hope is in Jesus—the One who promised He would return.“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me…” (John 14:3)
So what do we do with that?
We stay ready. We live holy. We love well. And we tell others about the hope we’ve found in Jesus—because time is short, and eternity is real.
Reflection + Prayer:
Take a moment and ask God to search your heart. Are there areas where you've been spiritually asleep? Are you ready if He came today?
Prayer:Lord, help me to stay awake and alert. Remind me that this world is not my home. Stir in me a fresh urgency to live for You—to love boldly, serve faithfully, and stay rooted in truth. Prepare my heart for Your return, and use my life to shine Your light in these dark days. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures for Further Study:
Matthew 24 (Jesus’ teaching on the signs of the end)
1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
2 Timothy 3:1–5
Luke 21:28
Revelation 22:12
If this devotional spoke to you, share it with someone you love. Now is the time to stay awake, stay ready, and keep looking up. ✨
In Him,
Heather Bradley
Comments