Be still: 'Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.' Lord, today I ask you to speak to me through your Word. Amen
Read: 2 Timothy 1:1-14
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (v7)
Encounter: As a young boy I was always very shy. Growing up I never wanted to put myself forward. I hated being the centre of attention. When I was twelve, I got confirmed and received a number of cards from family and friends congratulating me. Three of those cards included this verse … 'the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid...' I took these words as a sign that God was wanting to teach me something — he wanted me to grow in boldness, love and self-control. He was teaching me that his Spirit at work in me could take me to places I never thought possible in my own strength.
I love how Paul is encouraging and mentoring Timothy in this Epistle. He is speaking life and encouragement into this young man. We all need a Paul who can encourage us into the Kingdom purposes God has for us.
Apply: It can be so easy for us to get stuck in narratives or lies we speak over ourselves. In doing so we limit what God can do in and through us. We need to be a people who both partner with the authority of Scripture speaking the truth of what God sees in us AND partner with the Spirit of God who brings this truth to life making it a reality. The Word and Spirit can take a shy, timid and fearful person and breathe courage and faith into them helping them pioneer in bold and beautiful ways. Where are you needing to repent of the lies you have come under regarding yourself? Where do you need to proclaim the truth of Scripture over you?
Devote: Lord forgive me for where I’ve got stuck. Thank you that your Spirit releases courage within me. Help me today to walk in power, love, and self-discipline.