Bible Verse: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Scripture Reading: John 14:16-18; John 15:26-27; 2 Timothy 1:6-12
Men appreciate strong heroes in popular culture.
We celebrate Robin Hood, Tarzan, Luke Skywalker, Superman, Captain Kirk, and Indiana Jones, to name a few. We like them because they fight for the oppressed and combat evil, using their tools to help them.
We, too, have our own heroic story in God’s plan, and He equips us for the journey—not with a lightsaber or bullwhip, but with Himself, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus taught that He didn’t leave us as orphans but dwells in us by the Spirit (John 14:16-18), who will teach us and remind us of Jesus’ teaching (John 14:26) and enable us to testify about Jesus (John 15:26-27).
In addition to this, today’s verse says that the Spirit enables us to live a life of “power, love, and self-discipline.” The Apostle Paul specifically wanted Timothy to know that the Spirit doesn’t foster timidity. He wanted Timothy to find strength and power in God.
How can we apply this?
I would suggest that sometimes, we don’t serve God enough because of fear.
Perhaps we’ve been asked to serve in a church ministry. Maybe there’s an opportunity to help with outreach in the inner city. Perhaps the church is looking for people to commit to attending a new church plant.
Whatever it may be, is it possible that you’re holding back because of fear?
Maybe you’re saying to yourself, “The people in that ministry won’t like me.” “I might get hurt downtown.” “I’m not ready to leave the church and join a new plant.”
Our fear might extend beyond church ministry, where we shy away from living out our faith at work or with our neighbors because we want to blend in or don’t want to offend them.
There’s no simple answer on how and where to serve in the church or how to witness at our workplaces and in our neighborhoods. But if fear is the driving reason you’re holding back, today’s devotional is for you.
God gives us the Holy Spirit to overcome fear and to testify about Jesus with power, love, and self-discipline in our church, work, and neighborhood environments alike.
Jesus wants to continue His ministry on earth through you. Today, you can let fear hinder you, or you can lean on the Spirit to live in bold power for Jesus.
What will you do?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I want my life to reflect You everywhere I go. Help me witness for You in the power, love, and self-discipline of the Spirit. When my fear interrupts this desire, may You fill me with boldness through the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Reflection: How is fear getting in the way of your Christian life, service, and witness? Practically speaking, how do you know if the Holy Spirit is giving you power or if it’s your own confidence? How can you be filled with more of the Holy Spirit?
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