Well Connected
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, I’m thankful today for all the many friends and loved ones that You’ve given to me.
Read 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-7
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, [2] To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. [3] I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. [4] Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. [5] I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. [6] 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. [7] For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What gift of God does Paul mention here?It must have been a mixed blessing to have Paul as mentor! He seemed so sure of his calling as apostle, so sure that he was in the will of God (1). Temperamentally, Paul relished a challenge. Timothy, however, faces some difficult situations and his natural disposition is one of timidity (6,7). Paul encourages him by reminding him of his supportive relationships. He is not alone—he is well connected! First, to God as Father and Jesus as Lord, from whom he receives grace, mercy and peace; then to Paul, his mentor and older friend, with deep affection (4); and finally to his Christian heritage, through his mother and grandmother (5), just as Paul recognizes the faith of his own forebears (3).
Thus, Paul encourages Timothy to “fan into flame” the spiritual gifts entrusted to him. The most vital connection is to the Spirit of God (7), or as Paul wrote earlier in relation to himself, “[the] life that is in Christ Jesus” (1). Timothy is not alone. And God has given Timothy—and us—“a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (7). Timothy is not alone, and neither are we. We have that same spirit.
Apply
Review your network of supportive connections. Thank God for them, and take courage and strength from them.
Closing prayer
Gracious Lord, thank You for Your Spirit in me. Help me to draw from him the strength and courage I need.
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