Be Ready and Willing at all Times

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

As reported Friday by Patch out of Illinois, Darien resident Stephanie Koklys was on a path at Waterfall Glen last week when she came upon a man in distress. What she did in response later drew the attention of Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese. On Saturday, the man was running with a friend in the forest preserve south of Darien when he stopped and collapsed, Marchese said. Koklys, who was on the path, immediately called 911 and administered CPR, the mayor said. Paramedics later said the downed runner may not have survived without Koklys' intervention, Marchese said. The runner is now reported as receiving treatment. The mayor said he confirmed the details of the incident after he was told about it by resident Lisa Czepiel. Marchese referred to Koklys as a hero. "Stephanie Koklys would probably describe her action as something anyone might do under the same circumstances, while many of us look upon her actions as those of a hero," the mayor said in the city's weekly online newsletter Thursday. As a result, the runner in distress can continue with his life, get up in the morning, see his family and work at his job. Wow right? It’s a good thing for the “runner in distress” that Stephanie was both ready to perform CPR and willing to stop her run to do it. 

And you know, when it comes to saving someone’s spiritual life, the Bible tells us that we must “be prepared in season and out of season” to preach the Word, using it to correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. In other words, like a good soldier we must be on-duty and standing at attention, attentive and ready to assist at any moment, constantly prepared to do whatever God is calling us to do. We must be trained in the Word and ready to speak it when it’s both convenient and inconvenient, knowing that our words have the power to change lives. 

So train in the Word each and every day my friend by setting aside time for Bible study, meditation and prayer. Know the Truth so that you can declare it boldly and accurately, remaining on-duty at all times so that you’re always ready and willing. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that a good Christian soldier is always ready to execute the commands of their Commanding Officer. Stir our hearts to do what it takes to be prepared in season and out of season to preach the Word at a moments notice. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!