Opportunities

“Do thy diligence to come before winter…” (II Timothy 4:21)

We have been experiencing temperatures in the nineties along with very high humidity. It doesn’t seem there should be any particular reason to be in a hurry to prepare for winter. From the way the young squirrels are scurrying about in our yard evidently they know something a lot of us humans don’t know.

Paul was in his final imprisonment. He is sending his last letter to Timothy, requesting that he come and when he does to bring some things he needs. Winter is coming and soon there will be no more ships coming that way until after spring and the passing of the winter storms. If Timothy waits until spring comes there will be no reason to make the journey. Paul will have been executed by then. So Paul is encouraging Timothy to come before winter while the opportunity exists.

You and I also have passing opportunities. The door of opportunity to be saved is one of those. The Bible says that today is the day of salvation. Speaking a kind word to someone, sharing the gospel with a lost person, forgiving someone, apologizing to a family member are all passing opportunities. There are many others. We must do as Paul urged Timothy and use our opportunities for good while they exist. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4)