2 Corinthians 6:1-2, “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you” Behold, now is the favorable time, behold, now is the day of salvation.”
A parallel verse to “working together with him” in 2 Cor. 6:1, is Mark 16:20, which states, “And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.” I think it is easy to forget that when we are trying to be a light and a witness to those around us, it isn’t all about having eloquence in words, but God is working with us and will confirm His message. We are ambassadors, not just for Him but with Him moment by moment (2 Cor. 5:20).
Wouldn’t you agree that the Coronavirus has brought to attention that certain things are out of our control as never before? I have been more forced than ever to be flexible because routine as I knew it before, is now not the normal and I don’t like that.
But one thing in life is for sure. James 4:8a declares, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” The word might or maybe is not there. “He will” is a promise and the only way to cause Satan to have to flee, just as he did from Christ (Luke 4:13).
I was recently sent a text that contained a YouTube video, and the title was something about a prediction made back in 2015 of the Corona Virus and needing a global health system to combat this back then. My reply to the one that sent it to me, who is a work relationship of mine, was, “Interesting. The question is still, what will you do with Jesus Christ? His free gift of salvation in Him He is offering. It is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” Oh how I pray that this person will now ask to receive Christ. Now is the favorable time and should not be put off.
Who are you praying for to realize that now is a “favorable time” to accept Christ as their Savior? Someone in your family, a neighbor, a friend, or a work colleague? Ask God to confirm His message through something you have said or someone else has said that they have heard. Ask God to bring back to their memory and their eyes a verse that will penetrate bringing the truth to their heart, soul, and mind.
As you talk to God today, ask Him to tell you what His work for you is right now so you can do it with Him. Ask God to reveal His plan that He wants you to fulfill and learn for such a time as this amidst our life’s current changes. Those are questions I am asking as I sit at my desk, looking out the window, as I look up at the sky and talk to my Lord, friend, Savior, teacher, counselor, Jesus Christ.
“God’s grace is always coming to my heart and life in very wonderful and blessed experience of now. Yesterday’s grace is totally inadequate for the burden of today, and if I do not learn to lay hold of heavenly resources every day of my life for the little things as well as the big things, as a Christian I soon become stale, barren, and fruitless in the service of the Lord.” Alan Redpath.
Today is the favorable time to be pleasing to Christ and be a worker together with Him, having God’s Word penetrating His message to us and not reaching us in vain. To-day is today and is now. Tomorrow has not arrived.
Listen to Peace Be Still With Lyrics by Lauren Daigle, YouTube. Another fitting song right now that was popular in 1999 – Crystal Lewis – People Get Ready (Lyrics) YouTube.