“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season … with great patience” (2 Timothy 4:2, NIV).
Lent is traditionally a season of frugality for Christians; but this week, much of North America entered that season under unfamiliarly harsh conditions as crippling winter storms swept across large areas. Here in Houston, somewhere around 25 percent of the population was without electricity in 40-degrees-below-normal temperatures for the bulk of Tuesday and Wednesday, and most churches were forced to change Ash Wednesday services to all-virtual programs—often delayed and pre-recorded for lack of real-time-communications options. The best-laid plans often serve only to emphasize how little control we really have.
In the above “in season and out of season” verse, Paul specifically mentions “preaching the word” because that was Timothy’s primary vocation; but the principle applies to every job, attitude, and spiritual discipline that comprises every Christian’s calling. May we all use this year’s Lent to examine how we focus on God in easy seasons and difficult.
Let us live for God in season and out,
Whether full of faith or inclined to doubt.
When our days are easy and struggles few,
Let us thank our Lord in each thing we do.
When our toils are hard and show no reward,
Let us yet remember to praise our Lord,
For He still will bless us and soon will bring
Yet unknown results from our suffering.
When we want to mourn for life’s fleeting days,
Let us look above to eternal ways,
For in God’s own time, when this world has passed,
He will bring a season of joy that lasts!
Strength for the Weary 
Jo Swank
/ February 20, 2021Great encouragement! I love your use of poetry!