This year, I got the honor and privilege of writing one week's devotions for Sheltered in Grace's 2022 book. The theme was "Intentional," so I chose the topic intentional faith. So often we view faith as something that either befalls us out of luck or something we only find out of necessity in the darkest times. While such seasons may be great growing points in our faith, the cultivation of faith is something we can and should do everyday. It's not luck; it's a choice. I've decided to post my devos here on the blog this week, so I hope you enjoy and take on the challenge with me to become more intentional about building faith in the everyday.
“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:5-7 (NLT)
Isn’t it funny that the famous verse about not living in fear does not follow some great giant Timothy faced? It followed the call to daily live by faith, because sometimes having faith day after day in the mundane requires more intentionality than in life’s greatest wars when we have nowhere else to turn. True unshakeable faith takes purpose. It takes power, love, and self-discipline.
In today’s passage, Paul is commending Timothy for the work he is already doing. He clearly acknowledges Timothy’s heart and faith as genuine. Yet even so, he still needs to fan into flames his spiritual gift. Because all the disposition and best lineage means nothing if we refuse to do something with what we’ve received.
The truth is faith takes fanning. Just imagine if he hadn’t. Imagine if Eunice or Lois had not! Faith does not occur by chance or due to the circumstances we face—it’s built by what we do despite them. It is no coincidence that those with the strongest faith are also the most faithful. It is intentional obedience that will build over time into the deep-rooted faith we desire.
Questions to ask yourself today:
1). What would it look like for you to fan into flames the gifts God’s given you?
2). What’s holding you back from taking the next faithful step?
This week don’t let fear or timidity drown out the things you know you’re called to do. Go, serve, be faithful, and with great purpose, fan into flames the gifts you know God’s given you.
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