This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
For Reflection:
Fear can powerfully discourage us at times, especially when allowed to build. Fueled and unchecked, it can begin to consume our thoughts and constrain or redirect our actions. We sometimes isolate and hide our fear from others. In this letter to Timothy, Paul shows us that sometimes encouragement to remember – especially when fear and worries build – comes through others in our lives. The people we share in close community with.
I sit in a few moments of quiet stillness with God and reflect: is fear…related to a situation or relationship… growing in me? Is it suffocating my faith, dimming the once-bright fire within me to a smoldering ember? I notice how this question stirs in me. Is fear quietly (or not so quietly) sneaking up on me? Is there something I am avoiding, holding back from, where I may be afraid? Afraid of failing,… being judged… or rejected? I sit with God in this…
In our passage, Paul reminds much-younger Timothy who is newer in faith and ministry during a time of intense challenge, to remember God’s power is in Him and will guide Him. Paul, writing from prison knowing He is soon to be put to death, certainly knows fear and how easy it can be to forget God’s presence, promises and power when fear presses in and wells up in us. Paul has learned the importance of remembering, and encourages Timothy - and us - to rekindle the smoldering embers of God’s gift within.
Who are the people in my life I can turn to when fear begins to overtake my faith, who will remind me of God's love, presence, and power? Are there people close to me who I notice are becoming consumed by fear or worry? How might I encourage, to fan into flame their faith and trust, His power and love within?
Let us pray:
God, thank you for your word that guides us and reminds us of your power, love and presence. Your word that assures us that the roots of self control and self discipline are in You and not solely dependent on our own strength and willpower. Lord, will you breathe into us, help fan into flame Your Spirit in us. Rekindle your love and power that still lives in us, even if smoldering dimly, waiting to encourage and strengthen us in every situation. May your light burn brightly within us, so that in times of uncertainty we may not shrink back in fear but would hold fast to the hope you provide, empowered to press forward…and encourage others as you lead us. Oh, how we love and need you, Lord. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
I wonder how spending time with God might rekindle my faith and trust in Him?
I wonder what gifts God has given me that He wants to fan into flame within me?