Lent Day 23

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,

but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Do you ever feel you do not have enough courage or self assurance to accomplish what you are called to do?  These words were written to Timothy by Paul.  He was under fire from believers and felt the weight of intimidation so strongly it was affecting his ministry.   Paul wrote these words to encourage Timothy to be bold, not because of who he is, but because of who was within him.

 Spirit (Greek Pneuma) – refers to as a spirit within us that acts as an influence motivating one’s thoughts and actions

 Timid (Greek deilia) -  one who flees or has the effect of a coward.

 The Spirit of God is Bold and gives us the ability to act boldly.

Acts 4:31

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

 The Spirit of God also gives us

Power

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

 Love

Romans 5:5

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Self assurance

Galatians 22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.

 God realized fear, lack of courage or self-assurance could hold us back from using the gifts and talents He gave us (Matthew 25:25).  When we have fear or feel intimidated by others, we tend to shy away from our Godly talents and shy away from sharing the gospel which lessons our effectiveness as a Christian.  God knows we need to stand boldly to make an impression on the unbeliever, to encourage those that are struggling, to teach the word of God with authority.  So He did not give us a Spirit of fear that would be ineffective or useless, but rather a Spirit full of power, love and self assurance.  The spirit of power allows us to face danger or difficulties, the spirit of love, will carry us through when others criticize, or oppose us and the Spirit of self assurance allows us to boldly continue our work without our own thoughts holding us back.   

God would never ask us to do something for Him without giving us the tools to complete His work.  We have the Spirit of power, love and self assurance within us through the Holy Spirit.  If fear or intimidation are the rule in our lives, we are not living by the word of God.  Ask Him to help you find what is within you to be bold and live the life He has in mind for you.