Preparing for His Coming in a VUCAD World - Luke 12:40

Preparing for His Coming in a VUCAD World

(Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous, Disruptive)

Luke 12:40 (ESV)
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

In The Art of War, Sun Tzu warns:

“Do not count on the enemy not attacking, but count on being ready for him at any time.”

This is a call to radical preparedness—replacing wishful thinking with unwavering vigilance. Warriors train long before battle, making readiness instinctive.

Yet our preparation is profoundly different: Soldiers brace for the worst (an enemy’s assault); we anticipate the best (our Savior’s glory). Jesus warned His return would follow global turmoil—extreme division, natural disasters, wars (Matthew 24:6–8). In our VUCAD world, His words echo with piercing clarity.

How do we prepare?

Not in fear, stockpiling resources or retreating, but through active faithfulness:

• Anchor daily in God’s Word and prayer, fortifying unshakable faith (Psalm 119:105).
• Live with Christlike integrity, reflecting His light in every sphere (Philippians 2:15).
• Share the gospel boldly within your influence, offering eternal hope (1 Peter 3:15).
• Serve suffering souls practically, being His hands of comfort (James 2:17).

True readiness is not waiting—it’s working, watching, and worshiping until He comes.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, empty me of fear and fill me with holy anticipation for Your return.
Strengthen my faith daily; purify my heart relentlessly.
Make me a beacon of hope in this uncertain world—
faithful in service, bold in witness, unwavering in love.
Hasten Your kingdom through my readiness. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

p.s. This was the integrated answers from ChatGPT and DeepSeek to my prompt:

Improve and complete the following devotion:

Preparing for His Coming in a VUCAD World.

Luke 12:40 ESV

You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

#1 Sun Zi's Art of War said that you cannot count on the enemy not attacking, but you must count on being ready for his attacks anytime.

It tells us to prepare for the possibility and not just be hopeful or wishful.

#2 In Sun Zi's statement, they are preparing for the worst, the enemy's attack. In our case, we are to prepare for the coming of the Lord. It is a glorious coming. But Jesus also told us that before he comes again, the world will be in extreme polarization and with natural disasters, wars, and rumors of wars.

#3 We are to prepare for His coming by building up our faith, bearing good testimonies, spreading the gospels in our circle of influence, providing hope and care in sufferings, etc.

A Short prayer