2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
Sometimes God uses dire circumstances as a means of ministry. A missionary was rushed to a hospital with a ruptured appendix. While recuperating in a two-bed room, he was able to share a witness with his roommate in the other bed and lead him to the Lord.
During the cold war years there were many Christians who were imprisoned due to their belief in Jesus Christ. Rather than collapsing in a heap and feeling sorry for themselves, many used prison as an opportunity to preach the gospel.
In my own life I have endured occasional tests and trials. As I surrendered each situation to the Lord, He opened doors of ministry that could never have opened in any other way. It is not necessary for us to be perfect before He can use us—just forgiven. It is not necessary for us to complete a course of study to be used—just available. It is not necessary for us to be of a certain age to be used—just willing.
You may be enduring trials and tests right now. Please do not allow what you are experiencing to paralyze you from being used. Step forward and volunteer to serve in God’s army. Neither age nor physical limitations will disqualify. “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil