For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
This is the verse I have chosen to memorize to memorize next as part of the Siesta Memory Verse Challenge from Living Proof Ministries. In selecting a verse we are reminded to choose a verse that we "need". I definitely need this one.
These powerful words were written by the Apostle Paul from a prison cell in Rome. The letter was sent to his young friend and son in the faith Timothy who was a strong leader in the early Christian church.
Paul used his time of confinement to write letters of encouragement to believers he had ministered to and ministered with. But this young man held a very special place in the heart of Paul.
Timothy was experiencing some opposition to his message and to himself as a leader in the church. Paul boldly reminded him of the faith that was so deeply ingrained and entrusted to him by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. From the time he was just a little boy, Timothy was taught the Word.
Paul would tell Timothy,
"I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands"
From the time that I was a little baby, I have been in church. Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night; any time the church doors were open I was there. Like Timothy, my faith is deeply rooted. I have sat under some tremendous Bible teachers. I have been blessed to watch mature believers live out there faith before my very eyes. I am surrounded by sweet sisters in the faith.
But sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are and whose we are.
- I am born again.
- I am blessed.
- I am chosen.
- I am adopted
- I am accepted.
- I am redeemed.
- I am forgiven.
- I am victorious!
- I am free to be exactly who God has made me to be.
- I am empowered by the Holy Spirit of the Almighty, Living God!
- I am dearly loved by the One who gave Himself for me!
Timothy needed a reminder from Paul that everything he needed to be successful had already been given to him by God. EVERYTHING! The same can be said of you and of me. We just need to walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit of God.
Faithful or Fearful? Which do you want to be know as?
