Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul encourages young Timothy with this solemn reminder. “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
"Be sober" in the different versions of the Bible was translated to keep your head, be calm and cool, be clear of mind, and be watchful. This was the first part of Paul’s encouragement for Timothy.
Endure hardships. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. This part of the verse was warning Timothy that through his faithfulness and ministry, it would not be easy. He would often be criticized and admonished for his faith; chastised and rebuked. Suffer and endure anyway.
When I looked up what is meant by being an evangelist, there are two things besides sharing the gospel and ministering to the lost. Those two things are for us to correct with compassion and encourage with hope. It is easy to preach “at” someone and tell them all the things they are doing wrong, but how much sweeter the reward is if you correct with compassion and encourage them with hope. The last thing a lost sinner needs is more discouragement.
In this 4th Chapter of 2 Timothy, we are being instructed to fulfill our ministries. Have you ever stopped to really search for what your ministry entails? For some, it may be made known and very clear but for others, it may take careful reflection, prayer, and even discernment to be sure that we are wanting the same things that God wants for us.
I attended the funeral of a very dear friend this past weekend and her charge for the pastor was to challenge all who attended to get ready. For none of us know the very hour that we will be called home. His common thread throughout the message was how if we want what God wants, aligns with what God wants, not even the work of the enemy can stop those plans. He spoke about how even before Zacchaeus needed a tree to climb up to see Jesus, the seed had been planted in that very spot. Have you ever really stopped to think about how many minute details have come into place so that you would be at this very place at this very moment?
When I think of meeting Jesus face-to-face, the one most certain thing that I hope to hear Him say is, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.