THRONEROOM SHOFAR DEVOTIONAL 7th September, 2026 THE EXTRA OIL Matthew 25:1–13 Jesus tells the story of ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish. The difference was not that some had lamps and others did not. All ten had lamps. All ten were waiting. All ten became sleepy. But only five carried extra oil. The extra oil represents the preparation that goes beyond what is immediately necessary. There is a level of Christianity that is sustained only by what you need for today. But there is another level where you carry something within you for tomorrow. The wise did not prepare for the moment; they prepared for the delay. Sometimes God delays not because He has forgotten you, but because He is preparing you for a moment that requires more oil. Your present oil may be enough for today's assignment, but what about tomorrow's battle? What about the season when the answer seems delayed? What about the midnight hour when everybody around you is looking for light? You need extra oil. Extra prayer when you don't feel like praying. Extra faith when circumstances contradict God's promise. Extra Word when emotions become unstable. Extra consecration when compromise becomes attractive. Extra wisdom when opportunities suddenly appear. Extra spiritual strength when the waiting becomes long. The foolish virgins discovered something frightening: you cannot borrow preparation at the last minute. When the cry came at midnight, everyone woke up. The difference was already settled before the midnight hour came. The wise had prepared beforehand. Therefore, don't wait until the crisis comes before you build your prayer life. Don't wait until the door opens before you prepare for the opportunity. Don't wait until the battle begins before you strengthen your faith. Carry extra oil. There are doors God will open suddenly. There are divine assignments that will require more grace than you presently think you need. There are midnight moments when your lamp must continue burning. Your greatest preparation may be happening in a season nobody is watching. Keep praying. Keep studying the Word. Keep your heart pure. Keep your altar burning. Keep your faith alive. Keep oil in your vessel. Because the Bridegroom is coming, and blessed is the person whose lamp is burning when He arrives. TODAY'S DECLARATION I will not run on empty. My lamp will not go out. I receive fresh grace for today and extra oil for tomorrow. I will be prepared for every divine opportunity and every spiritual assignment. My fire will not die in the waiting. My faith will not fail in the midnight hour. I carry extra oil! In Jesus' name. Amen. PRAYER Lord, fill me with fresh oil and give me grace to remain spiritually prepared and steadfast in every season. #TSD is a publication of Reflections International Ministries Written by: Apostle Smart MA-Chongo @@