“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
-2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
Have you ever had a change of plans? This week I was at a friend’s house planning to eat dinner and watch a movie and just relax. It had been a busy work day after a busy weekend, and I still had another conference the next morning. We wanted to just sit and relax for an evening, but God had other plans. My friend had forgotten that he had committed us to speak at another church opportunity. So, off we went.
God’s Word is very clear that when we have the opportunity to bring the Good Word, we are to seize the moment. Second Timothy 4 tells us to preach the Word whether now or later. When opportunity knocks, we are to speak out for Christ whether to a group of two or 200. We must take the chance to share about God with those who are willing to listen.
Now, I have to be honest, when my friend told me we were going to speak, he forgot to mention right away that I was the keynote speaker, and we only had an hour to get there. Oh boy, the pressure was on. But, the ride to the church was filled with laughter, prayer and preparation as we readied our hearts to speak for Christ. Though initially I was tired and frustrated with the late notice, all of that changed once we got to the church. It had been a long time since I was so blessed by an opportunity to share God’s Word. Over 60 men sang the old hymns and praised the Lord before my friend and I both spoke. Afterward, many mentioned how we blessed them through God’s Word.
In light of your daily grind, has God put someone in your path to whom He wants you to witness about Him? Do you brush it off and bypass the opportunity, or do you step up, even though you might be tired and exhausted? I know that if we had not gone to the church that night, we would have missed a huge blessing. So, when opportunity knocks make sure you follow in obedience. You never know whose life may change for eternity.
1. Have you ever been asked to share about Christ with little notice? If so, what happened?
2. Are you prepared at all times to share about Christ?
3. Today, if the opportunity knocks how will you respond?
Acts 10:41-43
1 Corinthians 9:16-18
Colossians 3:16-17