Ready or not?

Author: David G. Rose - Serving in ministry for over 50 years, I have found that “Ready” and “Be Prepared” must be lifetime goals. You never know what the next phone call, email, or text may require of you. Early on, I learned that ministry can be very inconvenient.

Every preacher knows 2 Timothy 4:2 KJV, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season.” That same verse in the New Living Translation says, “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.” Amazingly, some opportunities for ministry come in those “unfavorable” times of life. When you least expect it, your availability for God is required.

Often, after the worship service, the “bomb” question is asked. Or at the covered dish meal, someone asks advice for their crushing heartache. Or, on the church work-day, when you have mud up to your elbows, someone tearfully solicits direction. Better be ready to speak without notes.

There is a story in 2 Chronicles 20 that reminds us to be ready. It’s about an ordinary man who got up one routine morning expecting life to be normal. Jahaziel was a Godly man who came from a family who loved to worship and praise God. And that’s probably how he started the day. God first.

His nation was in turmoil. Reports circulated that they were surrounded by the enemy and that the King had called for prayer and fasting. Every man, woman, and child was commanded to gather at the Temple for a message from the King. Things were very tense.

Jahaziel stood as a minor member of a huge congregation that was waiting for the speech. That’s when the Holy Spirit of God suddenly chose him to speak to the crowd!

In verse 15 (NLT) Jahaziel said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

God knew that Jahaziel was always spiritually ready and used him to restore confidence to His beleaguered nation. Can God count on you to be ready when He needs you?

The next phone call or text may be your opportunity to be used of God. Our nation and your family need you. Get ready now.