Thriving In A Busy Season

Busy season? It’s hard to stay focused when your to-do list expands like the horizon. Where do you start?

I’m busy getting a devotional book ready to publish and I’ve found comfort in Paul’s words in 2 Timothy.

“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it.” 2 Timothy 4:17

In the sentences just previous to this, Paul complains about his friends deserting him, the lack of warm clothing and writing paper, and being injured. Yet in the midst of these things Paul stresses God’s faithfulness. Paul’s purpose and focus was clear, that the gospel would be preached no matter what situation he faced, even while being confined to a jail cell. So who did Paul’s words reach? His guards, visitors, other prisoners, and he even encouraged the growing churches through his writings.

Paul gives us the secret to his staying positive in such dire circumstances. In verses two through five, he speaks of patiently teaching, keeping a right focus on the gospel and on his relationship with God. Stressing that we all need to work at what God has called us to do.

Am I ready in this season? Paul says that with the right focus, there’s no excuse, even in locked away seasons. Will I accept the challenge? Although I’ve been in my writing seat working on my new book, there are other areas of life I must not neglect.

Balancing earthly work while keeping eyes on our Kingdom assignment, is Paul’s encouragement that still reaches through time and encourages people today, much like it encouraged me.  

His words remind us that words matter and they last a long time! Let’s encourage one another to be as faithful to God as God as was in leaving Paul’s words for us.

Food for thought.

Blessings,

Debbie G

#wordsmatter #ScriptureReflection #writingspace

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ³ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:2-5