IN SEASON AND OUT

“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

 

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, known as "the prince of preachers," felt he delivered his sermon so poorly one Sunday that he was ashamed of himself. As he walked away from his church, the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, he wondered how any good could come from that message. When he arrived home, he dropped to his knees and prayed, "Lord God, You can do something with nothing. Bless that poor sermon."

In the months that followed, 41 people said that they had decided to trust Christ as Saviour because of that "weak" message. The following Sunday, to make up for his previous "failure," Spurgeon had prepared a "great" sermon -- but no one responded.

Spurgeon's experience underscores two important lessons for all who serve the Lord. First, we need the blessing of God on our efforts. And second, our weakness is an occasion for the working of God's power.

 

The Lord asks us to be faithful both in season and out of season in delivering His Word. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for His great patience and seek to be patient in all that you do.

 

"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience the bloom on the fruit."  - Christina Rossetti

 

God’s Word: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:16