2 Timothy 4 Reflections

Before I share a thought, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ben and I have recently joined the Rural Missions team as a Mission Enabler serving churches across the north of England. My bio is on the website here if you want to know a little more about me and get in touch.

Last Saturday morning in Derbyshire was cold and crisp, and the stiff breeze blowing across Carsington Water had me questioning my life choices. I was stood at the start line of a 10k race that (much earlier in the year when the thought of a cold morning was far from my mind) I had agreed to run with my sister-in-law, her first 10k as she prepares for much longer runs in the new year.


In the time between agreeing to run and race day itself something fairly significant had happened that had me second guessing the wisdom of what was to come – I’d forgotten I’d agreed to do it until a message a few days before checking I was still ok to run!

So, there I was, untrained for the event – an occasional Parkrun and lots of walking aside – stood at the start line wondering how my morning was going to unfold. An hour and a bit later (1:11:36 later to be precise) we crossed the finish line, medal in hand and ready for a cup of tea and a retreat to somewhere warm. It felt good to finish, however as I write on Monday morning my legs are still letting me know they had not appreciated the cold, sharp shock!

As I reflected on that chilly morning run over the last few days, my mind turned to Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4.

1. Be Ready

Standing in the cold at the start line I did not feel ready, but the race was happening anyway. In verse 2, Paul urged Timothy to ‘preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…’ Our ministry life can sometimes feel like we are operating "out of season." We may lack the resources we would like; conditions may not be what we would hope yet the gospel call remains the same: to show up and be ready to show God’s love wherever we find ourselves.

2. Endure Suffering

The slowly receding ache in my legs is a physical reminder that finishing the race came at a cost. As we reach verse 5, we see that Paul did not offer Timothy an easy journey, instead calling him to "endure suffering," stay "sober-minded," and keep doing the work of an evangelist. Following Jesus requires endurance, a whole lifetime of it, so I am always thankful that God gives us the grace to keep going, to encourage one another, and to fulfil the ministry He has placed in our hands.

3. Finish Well

When we finally crossed the line, the biting wind and sore legs were temporarily forgotten in the moment of accomplishment and that long-awaited cup of tea. Reaching the goal we had set had made each chilly mile worth the effort.

Paul speaks in verse 7 of how he finished the race and kept the faith. Whatever stage of the race you find yourself in this week, whether you are feeling energised or completely out of breath, take heart. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, hold fast to the gospel, and remember that the God who called you to the start line is with you each step of the way.