Verses for today - 2 Timothy 1:6-12 NIV:
[6] “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. [7] For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. [8] So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. [9] He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, [10] but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. [11] And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. [12] That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
What a great charge and encouragement Paul gives to Timothy. I get the impression that maybe Timothy had eased up a bit in his running the race of faith. Paul, doesn’t berate him, but encourages him to fan back into flame the gift(s) of God that he had already received.
I do believe that any gifts that were have received are still there, though there are seasons of greater fruitfulness, and expression and growth in other gifts as well. In our family we always bless the birthday person with gifts, but we don’t ask for old gifts back. Sometimes the enemy convinces us that gifts or callings are just for a season, and somehow our lack of zeal or even sinfulness have caused these gifts to be removed.
All we need to do is look at the examples of great people of faith whose sinful lifestyles have been exposed to know that God’s gifts and anointings do not get removed if we sin. Many of these individuals had powerful ministries right up until their sin was exposed. I am not applauding the sin, but rather the mercy and grace of God in giving the gift with a no-repossession clause. When He gives us gifts they are ours. Whether we use them or walk in them is up to us.
So the question this morning is what gifts have I been given that I need to fan back into flame? What gifts have I received that I have stopped believing I have access to? What things has the Lord put in me for His own purpose, through His grace?
Clearly I have not done anything to earn any gifts, yet He, in His infinite wisdom, has given them to me for a purpose! He is patient and loving, merciful and compassionate, and expects me to have seasons of greater fruitfulness and passion, for He knows what my life is like. He has walked among us, has lived a life on earth and understands fully what we encounter, and struggle against.
This morning I am encouraged to look at my life, to remember the things the Lord has gifted to me, and to believe that everything he has given me, is still mine to walk in and enjoy. His purpose is intact, His plans are perfect! I just need to step in, to dust-off, to re-believe, and receive His empowering through the Holy Spirit.
Amen and Amen!
