I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2
Are you ready for the unexpected divine appointments with the most unlikely people? Can you be open to conversing with those who you normally would not talk to? Can you set aside your prejudices and pre-formed opinions of the way certain people look? Can you talk about Jesus when you already have had experiences that didn’t go well in the past with certain ‘types’? Do you argue with the Holy Spirit and tell Him “No!” when being prompted to say something you think will be received badly? How willing are you… ‘to put yourself out there’? Those ‘times’ would be considered ‘out of season’. Have you learned to trust the Holy Spirit in those ‘out of season’ times?
I encountered such a challenge yesterday right in the middle of a time I never expected a conversation with a stranger would happen. But oh …how marvelous the Holy Spirit knows. I have learned to first listen, ask questions, and then follow His lead. Usually with slow friendly openings – a conversation begins. The end and acceptance rely on how much the Holy Spirit is received by both parties in the moment. Could I be obedient and go out of my way? Could I give generously to a stranger when asked by the Holy Spirit? It was one of those situations where much was ‘planted’, but you may never know the end result. I know I will pray for the individual later in different moments as the Holy Spirit reminds me to.
Witnessing and being obedient to the Holy Spirit isn’t just an ‘evangelists’ calling. Every follower of Jesus Christ must be ready just like Paul charged Timothy with – no matter the timing or situation. I must admit I haven’t always gotten these challenges correct. My own fear and prejudices have stifled my immediate obedience to His ‘still small voice’ in the past. Yesterday though – I overcame those inner hindrances and “Wow!”, I watched God work, in me, and hopefully now will work in the one He had me share with.
I have several close friends who are definitely more ‘gifted’ with the evangelist’s ways… and it is always a pleasure to watch and listen to them, as their boldness is so beyond my own. But Jesus can use ALL of us – and is truly the ‘connector’ in the ‘family of God’. We all have a place and a way to ‘connect’ – but can we be attentive enough, and brave enough, to step out when He calls us to do so?
Are we so ‘soft’ in soul and spirit that we can hear and understand the small promptings of the Holy Spirit to do … something that goes against what we are used to or ‘ready’ for? This is the challenge to grow into. Being ever aware of His prompts in our most unexpected times.
Father … YOU are our Source! Holy Spirit help us be ready to do what YOU are asking us to do. Give us the words to say and how to say them. Lead us to YOUR scheduled divine appointments. Father …help me when I least expect it – to be ready to serve YOU. May YOU get all the glory and honor! Jesus lead the WAY!