As the temperatures drop and the leaves turn colors we know that it is time to get prepared for a seasonal change. You probably start to change your wardrobe from short sleeves to long sleeves and add jackets and sweaters. We also prepare for the leaves. They’re beautiful while they’re on the trees, but when they fall it’s time to get out the rakes and leaf bags. Preparation is important.
Can you imagine heading into winter with nothing but summer clothes? Or into fall without rakes, and the tools necessary to keep the lawn work done? To be prepared we store seasonal things away so that they are ready to be used when the time is right.
The way that we prepare for the changing seasons is also how we prepare for the changing situations in life. God’s Word says in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
God’s Word is a storehouse of words for any situation just as our attics and crawlspaces that keep our seasonal items. Whenever we need Christmas decorations we go find them. The same is true with we need to correct, rebuke or encourage. We simply go to God’s Word to find the words we need in whatever situation.
Situations change all the time. For the one who thinks he is right all the time, God’s Word may show him that he is wrong. For the one who breaks the commands of God, the Word speaks words of reproach to bring him or her back to God’s ways. For the family that is struggling or the individual whose faith is weak, God speaks through his Word to give comfort and guidance.
We all possess the ability to use God’s Word in any situation. We may think we are not qualified because we have spent little time in study. But when the time is right God gives us the words to say. He lets the words pour from our hearts in ways we never thought possible.
And yet the more we immerse ourselves daily in the wealth of information the better we will be able help in any situation. As we study and grow in our faith and knowledge it will be like a well marked box in the garage. We know just which box to open to find the garden tools. So we will know which passage to turn to as we give correction, rebuke and encouragement.
The seasons will come and go, but God’s Word remains the same forever. No matter what the situation is we can always turn to God’s Word for the right thing to say.
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