The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
As a boy, I mastered the art of catching fish bait. First, I had to find a patch of tall grass. Then I walked systematically through the grass, with one foot sweeping forward in a slow scythe-like motion. Scared crickets would leap, at which point I would crouch, cup one hand, and pounce. Somewhere along the line, I lost my passion for catching crickets — and on a much larger scale, for mastering new things. From fear of failure or disapproval, I now stay safely in my comfort zone. In fact, as an adult, I live more like a cricket than a person, hiding and leaping in fear.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus says, “Fear not.” He appreciates faith-driven courage and boldness, such as that of the paralytic’s friends (in Luke, chapter five). In 2 Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy to rekindle the gift of God that was in him. Although Timothy was loyal and dependable, he apparently struggled with being timid, just as I do. Paul urged him to remember that God’s power was at work in him. In times when I feel small and scared, like a cricket, it’s comforting to know that God’s powerful Spirit is also in me, encouraging me, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Prayer
Dear God, please help us to boldly follow your will, no matter how scary and uncomfortable it may seem. Amen.
Prayer focus - Those limited daily by their fears
