In Season and Out of Season

Sometimes we need to be strongly confronted. Strong words are best when coming from the Lord.

We had been facing discouragement. We have several groups under our care and with so many people to care for we felt that we weren't influencing anyone. Our work had become a bit burdensome. But God, who is always merciful, intervened.

There is a striking passage is 2 Timothy 4 where Paul is giving instructions to Timothy. Paul tells him to preach the word always, reprove, rebuke, and exhort. He also talks about things that can be a discouragement. Then, in verses 5-8 he says the following: "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

This was exactly what I needed to hear. Discouragement is inevitable as are a great many other things. But we have work to do. There are people waiting to hear the Good News. Paul later goes on to describe many extremely difficult situations he had been facing, but he had held fast, he had kept the faith, and he had endured hardship. May we be found as faithful in the work the Lord has given us to do. Please pray for us and for all believers in these areas!