diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/emulex/benet/be_main.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/emulex/benet/be_main.c
index 4559c35eea13..3d91a5ec61a4 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/emulex/benet/be_main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/emulex/benet/be_main.c
@@ -4373,6 +4373,10 @@ static int be_resume(struct pci_dev *pdev)
 	pci_set_power_state(pdev, PCI_D0);
 	pci_restore_state(pdev);
 
+	status = be_fw_wait_ready(adapter);
+	if (status)
+		return status;
+
 	/* tell fw we're ready to fire cmds */
 	status = be_cmd_fw_init(adapter);
 	if (status)