Re: Verse reading–2 Timothy 4:1-8, 16-18 (day six)
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”—v 2.
Paul knows how this fight will go. (see v 7) He knows that Pastor Timothy will have good seasons (literal reading– eukarios) and bad seasons (akarios). Ministry (life) will always be a mixture of ups and downs. Highs and lows, neither of which can have too much influence on the servant of God. Our task and commitment remains constant in both environments. We preach the word when it is popular. We preach it when it earns us enemies and criticism. We have courage to confront/correct false doctrine. We are gentle and patient to encourage/ instruct developing ideas about God and duty. It will be a fight and it will be a privilege. Paul has no regrets. Not for himself, not for his young friend. “In season and out”, we are servants of the Most High.
If you don’t achieve “success” in the way you imagine, most likely that was not God’s goal for you. Whatever He calls you to do He will complete through you. If you are obedient then you are successful regardless of the results.