If you read my last blog you’ll know that I had a difficult Summer. Though the sorrow has begun to fade, the last few months have left an icky residue. I can only describe it by saying I feel totally “out of sorts.” I haven’t had the desire to write, or study, or even spend much time with others—not even my family. Yet in the midst of the “ickiness” God asks me to minister to others.
This morning, I started an email to a lovely young woman with a strong heart for God. What was meant to be a chatty letter quickly became an affirming prophetic word. When I finished, I marveled at how God uses us even when we feel we have nothing to offer. And it reminded me of Paul’s words to Timothy:
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.
(2 Tim 4:2)
What does it mean to be “in season” or “out of season”? The Amplified Bible sheds some light on the verse.
Preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome].
2 Tim 4:2 (Amp)*
Keep a sense of urgency
To be ready in or out of season means keeping a sense of urgency. It’s about being ready to minister whether the timing is favorable or not—even when you think you have nothing to give. Have you ever been prompted to minister when the timing couldn’t possibly be worse? You’re late for a job interview—and God asks you to stop and pray for the receptionist at the front desk. You just put your frozen groceries in the hot car—and God prompts you to help the woman with a flat tire.
All He asks from us is a willingness to respond. I think that’s what it means to have a sense of urgency. Urgency means you remember that it’s not the appointment, or the groceries in the car, or how you feel that matters most. What matters most is the person to whom you minister. The gifts you give have eternal value! And God has a way of saying that the time to give is NOW!
When the anointing is at its peak
While NOW might not seem like the right time, remember that when God calls you to do something, that’s also the moment when He gives you the anointing to do it. If you wait, debate, or let your head dictate, you’ll miss His perfect timing and what is sure to be a beautiful, Spirit-bathed moment. And the thing about giving is that it lifts both you and the person God sends your way.
If you feel out of sorts or out of season, take comfort in what the Lord said to Zerubbabel. Victory (and the ministry that leads others to victory), doesn’t come through your ability, might, or power. Victory doesn’t come when the timing or opportunity feels perfect, or when you feel one-hundred percent ready. It only comes from one mighty, wonderful, gracious, invincible source—His Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:6).
No man ever served God by doing things tomorrow.
Charles Spurgeon
*Amplified Bible Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved www.lockman.org
Sorry about your summer and the sad events that have happened. Will keep you in my prayers. Love, Ginger
Thanks Ginger. Your prayers and encouragement have meant so much to me. I have really felt them. I’ve been thinking about Ps. 30:5 which tells us that though weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning. Thanks for being there for me during the “nighttime” hours.
Great word my friend. I can so identity. Thank you for sharing and encouraging even when it seemed impossible. I pray for you often and you are always in my thoughts. I miss you so, but in reading the blog it feels like we are spending time together. Blessings on you and I pray you are strengthened thru sharing. T
I’m grateful for all your love and prayers. Sharing what we go through somehow makes things easier doesn’t it? It’s a comfort knowing that God is always in the midst of our pain, grief, and troubles – and He’s still working through us. He is faithful!
Tamara, I appreciate how you continue to honor and follow the Lord, even in the midst of pain and trials. The Lord blesses you and honors you for your obedience and faithfulness to Him. Yes, He is faithful, but YOU too, are faithful! May He continually restore your soul and make you well in your Spirit, Soul, and Body! Love you, Friend!
Thanks Kimmy for your words of encouragement and affirmation. I am so grateful for your friendship. What would we do without each other? I love you back, and pray blessings over you and your family.