2 Timothy 2:6-7
Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of hands. For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and a sound mind.


So I've been wondering...what does it take to fan something into flames? Timothy was given a gift, but he's asked to nuture it and let it catch. How? How do embers become flames?

One sure way to kill a fire is to ignore it. This I know firsthand. While recently visiting my dear friend Angela, we were charged by her husband to keep the fire burning. Our non-stop conversation didn't leave us any time for fire-tending. Mere embers were left by the time we turned our gaze on the former roar.

Newspapers, twigs, fire-starters and dry wood did nothing to the dead coals. Blowing on it only resulting in choking me with ashes. Finally, as her husband came up the stairs, I resorted to a desperate prayer..."Lord, let there be light!"

The ensuing gigantic flames nearly burned my eyebrows off.

Do we actually even believe that God has given us gifts? And if so, what are we doing to fan them into flames? Or are we acting like the proverbial wet blanket...putting out the fire with our fear and discouragement? You know, the thoughts like, "I'm not that special. I don't believe I have gifts" and the like?

God knew we'd need to be encouraged. See, the VERY NEXT verses go on to say, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love, power and a sound mind." Those are the flames. Nuture them! If there's a spirit of fear, ignore it! Send it away, in the name of Jesus. See, He gave us what we needed to keep the fire burning. The tools are power, love and a sound mind.

Fan the Power into flames.
Fan the love into flames.
Fan the sound mind into flames.

Just like the fire at Angela's house...do whatever it takes! And don't give up.
God has not given you a spirit of fear. Instead, He's given you gifts and abilities. It's up to you to use them.

Fan the flames!