Yesterday we picked up the plow. We named what numbs us and started breaking up the hard ground.
Today we put something in that ground.
Because getting rid of what numbs you isn't enough. You have to start doing what brings you to life.
Paul wrote to a young pastor named Timothy. Timothy was timid, overwhelmed, and maybe a little discouraged.
And Paul said, "Stir up the gift of God which is in you."
Picture someone kneeling by a fire that has burned low. The flames are gone, but the coals are still hot. So you stir them, add fuel, and blow until they catch again.
Notice, Paul didn't tell Timothy to go find a new fire. He said stir up what's already in you.
If you belong to Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in you. The fire hasn't gone out. It's been neglected.
And notice what Paul says to stir up. The gift.
God didn't give you a gift so you could keep it. He gave it so you could use it.
Teaching. Serving. Encouraging. Giving. Leading. Showing mercy. Opening your home.
A lot of believers are numb because they've been on the sidelines for years. Taking in. Never pouring out.
Water that only flows in and never flows out goes stagnant.
Sometimes the fastest way to feel again is to start serving again.
You don't wait to feel on fire before you obey. Often you obey, and the fire follows.
Then Paul gives the reason. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Fear keeps your gift in the box. What if I'm not good enough? What if people judge me? What if I fail?
But the Spirit inside you isn't timid. He's power. He's love. He's a sound mind.
So here's what stirring the coals looks like this week.
Get back in the Word daily, even if it's ten minutes. Pray out loud, honestly. Worship when you don't feel like it.
And use your gift. Volunteer for the thing you've been avoiding. Encourage the person God puts on your mind. Have the conversation about Jesus you've been putting off.
Fires don't stay lit by accident. Someone keeps feeding them.
Today's Challenge
Write down one gift God has given you. If you aren't sure, ask two people who know you well. Then use it for someone else within the next 48 hours. Send the encouragement, sign up to serve, make the meal, or lead the prayer. Put it on your calendar now so it actually happens.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank You that the fire in me hasn't gone out. Forgive me for neglecting the gift You gave me and letting fear keep it in the box. Today I'm stirring the coals. Give me courage to serve, to speak, and to pour out. Fan me back into flame. In Jesus' name, amen.
Reflection
- What gift has God given me that I've let go cold?
- Have I been taking in far more than I've been pouring out?
- What fear has kept me from using what God put in me?
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.