“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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 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. 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, 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.” II Timothy 1:6 -10 (NIV)
In common vernacular, Paul was telling Timothy, who was timid person, “You’ve got to come out of that timidity and do what God has called you to do. Don’t allow your gifts to smolder and slowly burn out. No! Fan them into a flame so people can see them burn. You can’t hide what God has given you. Get out of your comfort zone! God didn’t save you, empower you and give you His grace so you can hide! No! You’ve got to get into the battle!
When we give God our minds, bodies and spirits we are saying we no long lay claim to ourselves. Everything about us, strengths, weaknesses, insecurities, pride, gifts, talents and even our fears are not ours anymore; they belong to God.
Nothing we call ours is ours any more. Our spouses, children, homes, jobs, all our belongings belong to God. Everything God has given us is at His disposal to teach, correct or bless us. In other words, we don’t have the authority to tell God “no” any more. Everything God says goes!
Stop fighting God! Staying in your comfort zone is not an option any more. We have to let the light of our gifts shine knowing they are going to attract good and bad attention. We’re going to have fight against our internal enemies and our external foes in order to fulfill our destinies.
It’s time for us to stop sitting on the sidelines watching others fight their fight of faith. It’s time for everyone to get into the battle! Are you ready?
