Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. – 2 Timothy 4:2, King James Version (KJV)

Sara is a missionary to the Philippines. Not long ago her parents visited her in the mission field, and during their visit, something quite unexpected happened.

Sara and her parents were taking a walk when a 77-year old man boldly approached Sara’s father and asked in English, with a thick Filipino accent, “Are you a witness?” Somewhat taken aback, Sara’s father replied, “Well, yes, I am a witness for The Lord Jesus Christ.” The man was actually searching for a Jehovah’s Witness (a faith that does not believe that Jesus Christ is God), but he was interested in learning more about what Sara’s father had to say. It “just so happened” that Sara’s father had a Gospel tract in his pocket, and he used it to to proclaim Christ to this 77-year old dear soul. After accepting Christ as Savior, the 77-year old said, “I’ve searched so many religions in my life, but I’ve never found the truth. I wanted to know how to find God before I died, and He led me to you today. I know that I’ve found the truth!”

God (through Paul) tells us in 2 Timothy 4:2 to be “be instant in season, out of season.” The Amplified Bible reads this way:

Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2, Amplified Bible

In short, we are to be ready to give the Gospel whether we feel like it or not, whether our next opportunity is planned or not, and whether the conditions are ideal or not. God is willing to set up divine appointments to witness on a daily basis, but He will only do so if we prove ourselves prepared.

Sara’s father was prepared. He had a ready, willing, and able heart for souls, and a Gospel tract on standby to boot! How is your state of readiness today?