Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:6-7
Because of Timothy’s legacy of faith from his grandmother and mother, Paul reminds him that since he has these roots he cannot be timid but must step into his place of leadership. This faith foundation allowed for Paul to impart gifts of leadership to the young pastor for his ministry role. Timothy had to remember what he was called to. His ministry as the church leader would soon fall entirely on him when Paul was gone.
Paul’s next encouragement is for Timothy to recognize that fear, feeling powerless, unloved, or crazy is not from God. He wants Timothy to reject these impulses so he can operate out of the gift(s) that the Holy Spirit has invested in him. This is one of my favorite passages. It has helped me many times to throw of the paralysis that can come upon leadership when things are tough. I have thanked the Lord many times for reminding me to stir up the gift(s) He has put in me to deal with the pressures of ministry as well as the challenges of life.
Like Timothy, I can be sure that God has prepared me for the place I find myself. I can know there is no reason to fear, because He loves me so much that He has given me power along with the ability apply it. I can immediately know that these pressures aren’t from God and at least know what not to do right up front. I encourage all of God’s people not to fall prey to the enemy’s pressure to live in fear trying to pick up the scraps of power, love and stability that this world has to offer. We can have all of His love. All power has been given to Him. Best of all, He is not a God of confusion but of peace!
His Love To You,
Pastor Jason
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