2 [Paul] to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

6 For this reason I remind you [Timothy] to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sober mind.

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

— 2 Timothy 1:2, 6-8

For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.

— John 3:34

For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

— Philippians 2:13

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us

— Ephesians 3:20

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

When we look at Paul’s young co-worker Timothy, we know at first Timothy was timid. Paul had to remind him to fan into flame the gift of God within him because the Spirit doesn’t make him timid. The Spirit gives His believers power, love and a sober mind. Yes we believers carry something that the world needs. It might not look flashy, or we might not feel ready, but if the Spirit is in us, then power is in us. It’s not about personality. It’s about presence of the Spirit, and once we realize this, all the excuses fall apart.

So, we should stop saying, “I am not qualified, “ “that’s not my gift, “ or “I need to wait for permission to walk in it.” God already gave you the Spiritual gifts. We just need to grow in obedience. We don’t discover our gifts by sitting still. We discovered the powerful gifts by stepping out of ourselves and applying these gifts in ministering Christ and grace to us and people by faith in obedience. Amen!