August 19th, 2025 was our wedding anniversary. My wife and I were on a flight from London to Lagos that day. I had carefully planned a surprise for her—I wrote a note and handed it to one of the air hostesses, requesting that the captain announce our wedding anniversary during the flight. As the journey began, I kept my phone ready, eagerly anticipating the moment I would capture the joy and excitement on her face when the announcement was made.
However, after more than an hour, nothing happened. As time went on, I began to feel sleepy. Beside us were empty seats inviting me to lie down and rest. I tried to resist, holding on to the expectation of the special moment, but after about three hours, I gave in. Perhaps, I thought, the message never got to the captain. I asked my wife for permission and stretched out to sleep. Just a few minutes into my sleep, she tapped me. I woke up to the sound of applause filling the cabin. The announcement had just been made—the captain celebrated our anniversary and mentioned our names. Sadly, I had missed the very moment I had been waiting and preparing for. My phone lay idle. The moment was gone.
This experience is a powerful reminder of the coming of the Lord. The rapture will happen suddenly, at a time many may not expect. Those who claim to be waiting must be careful not to “sleep.” This is not about physical sleep, but spiritual drowsiness—becoming careless, compromising convictions, and growing weary in faith. Many start the journey with zeal, anticipation, and readiness, but along the way, distractions, delays, and discouragement can cause them to lose alertness.
As families, we must stay awake spiritually. Do not grow tired of living holy. Do not become weary in your devotion to Christ. Keep your lamps burning through prayer, the Word, and steadfast faith. Teach your children to remain watchful and grounded in truth. The Lord’s coming is nearer than we think. Let your home be a place of readiness, expectation, and unwavering commitment to God.
