26th June 1939—. . . Today I read by chance in II Timothy…
““26th June 1939—. . . Today I read by chance in II Timothy 4, “Do thy diligence to come before winter,” Paul’s petition to Timothy. Timothy is to share the suffering of the apostle and not to be ashamed. “Come before winter”—otherwise it might be too late. That has been in my mind all day. It is for us as it is for soldiers, who come home on leave from the front but who, in spite of all their expectations, long to be back at the front again. We cannot get away from it any more. Not because we are necessary, or because we are useful (to God?), but simply because that is where our life is, and because we leave our life behind, destroy it, if we cannot be in the midst of it again. It is nothing pious, more like some vital urge. But God acts not only by means of pious emotions, but also through vital ones. “Come before winter”—it is not a misuse of Scripture if I take that to be said to me. If God gives me grace to do it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A call to act before it’s too late, driven by deep purpose rather than duty alone.
In simple terms: Act now before opportunity passes.
Key Takeaway
Embrace urgent purpose.
Themes
purpose
urgency
spirituality
service
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
inspirational
spiritual
When to use this quote
- military service
- personal vocation
- spiritual decision
- life purpose
Key Concepts
vital urge
grace
scriptural interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- What urgent call are you ignoring?
- How does purpose outweigh comfort?
A Different Perspective
May overlook practical constraints and personal safety.