By David ReayMonday 16 Aug 2021LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (NIV)
There are times, if we are honest, that we don’t really feel like doing the things God may want us to do. We may not feel like praying, or making that phone call, or reaching that decision. External circumstances are such that we might throw up our hands and just give up on such things till those circumstances become more favourable.
But we are called on to be faithful and obedient whatever the circumstances. What is happening in our outer worlds certainly impacts on our life of faith. However, it is dangerous to let such happenings dictate to us. If we only ever serve Jesus and others when our life situation is favourable then we are losing sight of our priorities.
Just as Paul urged Timothy to go on doing his job come what may, so we are urged not to let unfavourable circumstances stop us doing what it is possible and even necessary to do. We may not feel like doing it, other things may discourage us from doing it, but Jesus does not call us to follow him only when all is well.
There are times and occasions when we are not free to do our normal Jesus-led tasks. But that need not mean stagnation or lethargy. In an “out of season” time, we stick at it, doing what we can do rather than lamenting what we cannot do. Love and grace don’t go out of season.
Blessings
David