In Season and Out: Guided by the Spirit
On October 20, 2022 by Anna De Lay
…preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching…
2 Timothy 4: 2
I’ve often struggled with the concept of being ready at all times to do the work of ministry. I tend to look for inspiration, a muse, an idea to get me going. In the past, if I didn’t have an event to look forward to, I would feel lost. If I had to sit at my piano for too long without inspiration to write or sing, I would give up and go to something else. It’s as if I thought my time was being wasted if I didn’t “feel” it at the moment. (Or else, I would have to force myself into submission in order to get something done on time. I did that a lot with my college homework…) Why? Obviously, I rely on feeling too much.
Have you ever thought, “I don’t feel capable of being a leader” or “Even though that’s my gifting, I’m not in the right frame of mind right now” or “I just don’t feel spiritual enough”? Maybe you didn’t pray today. Maybe you haven’t prayed in a long while. Perhaps you haven’t picked up your Bible since the last crisis in your life. Should you obey God TODAY anyway? Of course, the answer is “yes!”
There absolutely is value is staying prepared at all times, continuing in a mind of prayer, and looking for opportunities to serve others. This is ideal. But God doesn’t just use people who stay in this constant state of zeal. In fact, He often calls us out when we feel less than capable, so that He can show His strength and might through our weaknesses! Oswald Chambers adds:
“One of the worst traps a Christian worker can fall into is to become obsessed with his own exceptional moments of inspiration. When the Spirit of God gives you a time of inspiration and insight, you tend to say, “Now that I’ve experienced this moment, I will always be like this for God.” No, you will not, and God will make sure of that. Those times are entirely the gift of God. You cannot give them to yourself when you choose.”
Oswald Chambers
As easy as it is to allow life to get in the way and to fall off track of these spiritual goals, we simply cannot fail to minister just because our flesh wants to take the easy way out.
When I think of something being out of season, I think of grocery produce. When summer is over, many fruits and vegetables are simply not available. Or, they can be much more expensive, because their natural growing season is over and they are in low supply. But if you want that specific vegetable or fruit bad enough, you are willing to pay the price.
Are we willing to pay the price of obedience even when our strength is in low supply? When faith is waning?
The good news is the Fruits of the Spirit are never out of season, nor are His gifts! Even when our gifts and calling seem hidden for awhile– whether it be because of a rest from the Lord, a move, sickness, or anything that keeps us from using our talents–we must keep God’s will always before us, ready and willing to serve. “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). When the opportunity arises, be obedient to the Word of the Lord. Do not allow your own feelings to guide you, but be guided by the Spirit.
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Sometimes, sharing our gifts, sharing the gospel, or serving others is inconvenient for us. This can truly be tough when life seems to be more than we can handle or things are just not going our way. But if God says “go” we must, even when we feel less than “ready”; because, let’s face it. In our humanity, we seek for inspiration to keep us ready, when what we need the most is the leading of the Holy Spirit and to say “yes” to the Lord, no matter how our flesh feels.
Behold NOW is the favorable time: behold, NOW is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, emphasis added). Today may be the day you lead someone to the Lord because of your obedience, not because of your feelings. This could be the day someone’s future is altered because you took the time to pray with them. Let’s not forfeit any opportunities from the Lord today.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve laid down in my calling and failed to cultivate my gifts simply because of negative circumstances or influences. I know the gifts and calling you’ve given me are still here no matter how my flesh feels. I will say Yes to you, Lord. Yes to your leading. Yes to seeking your face, especially in the times when I don’t feel like it. Help me to continue on in prayer, study, and thanksgiving to you even when it seems out of season. Help me to obey You in an instant–in season and out. Amen
I am a wife, homeschool mom, musician, and songwriter; but most importantly, I am a daughter of the King. My heart’s desire is to draw closer to God and bring other people with me! Truly, there is no greater joy.
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