Ready or Not
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (CEB) · Passing the Flame
“I’m giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom. Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient.” – 2 Timothy 4:1-2 (CEB)
Paul charges Timothy with a specific verb. Preach. Proclaim. Say it out loud. Paul could have said many other things. He chose this one.
The qualifier matters as much as the command. “Whether it is convenient or inconvenient.” Faithful witness is not waiting for the comfortable moment. The comfortable moment may never arrive. Paul tells Timothy that the time to speak is when the speaking is needed, not when the speaking is easy.
Most of us will not preach in a pulpit. But all of us will have moments when there is a word to say and the room will not welcome it. A truth a friend needs to hear. A prayer offered when the situation feels awkward. An invitation extended to someone who might say no. Those are preaching moments, and they rarely come at a convenient time.
Where in your life is there a word to say that is not convenient but is needed?
Speaking God, make our mouths ready. When the inconvenient moment comes, steady our voice. Let the word of truth in us reach the person who needs it. Amen.