"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, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
2 Timothy 1:6-7
FEAR!
How can one emotion be so intimidating to the point of paralyzing us from action?
Seriously, Girlfriends, is it not fear that drives us away from the dressing room when what we really desire is to try on that cute bathing suit on the store mannequin? Fear that it won't fit our body like it does on that perfect, plastic dummy with no head; fear of the smirk on the dressing room attendant's face that translates to "yeah, right, lady; in your dreams" as she counts each tiny piece of cloth and hands us the number tag; fear of our own self-judgment in the mirror, colored by relentless images in magazines, tv, movies and billboards? Really, is it not fear that drives us to just put that hanger back and go find some XL shorts and a baggie tshirt for the beach or pool? Can anyone relate here?
FEAR!
I have to admit that fear keeps me in my comfort zone, whether it's bathing suit shopping, speaking to a neighbor about a conflict, or challenging the established norms of a society gone astray. Easy is the way when I bury my true desires so that I don't have to step out in faith and act! Instead of feeling good about the "me" God created and not worrying about the "me" I think I should be, I don't buy the swimsuit I really like. Instead of speaking in love to the neighbor and trying to solve the problem, I complain to anyone and everyone who will listen about what a jerk I have living across the street. Instead of writing a powerful letter to my congressman, or asking to speak before the school board, I sit around feeling sorry for myself and worrying about the world my kids are inheriting. And, most recently, fear kept me from the one thing I had strongly felt God calling me to do: publishing my writing!
My comfort zone does NOT include setting up anything technical on the computer. I loved the idea of a blog but feared the process; I had no confidence in my knowledge nor ability to obtain it. Fear was fueled by the memory of past failures: How many times have I called my husband at work, crying (or whining) because the computer would not "just do what it is supposed to do"? And how many times has he lovingly restored to right order the disaster I had unknowingly created by letting the virus monster inside my beloved laptop? Answer: A LOT.
So, just how do we conquer fear? What enabled me to venture into the great galaxy of Google and return with this lovely little blog? The answer lies in the Scripture above.
Paul, a friend and mentor of Timothy, writes these encouraging words to him: For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God...Don't you just love that imagery? God gifts us, both with His Spirit, and then, by the Spirit, with individual gifts with which to serve Him. What starts as a spark, God will help us to enflame. Wonderfully He also provides those encouraging friends, reminding us both of our gifts and of our duty to use them- and use them mightily. I am grateful for those of you who urged me to fan the flames!
But let us not overlook the second half of the message from Paul: "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." YES! My "gift of God" is a spirit that enables me to travel out of my comfort zone and explore with confidence because His power, love, and self-control are also mine. I do not have to fear failure or worldly judgment when I am ablaze with the Spirit!
My Girlfriends, as I have been encouraged, please let me encourage you today. You can conquer your fears! You can have a spirit of power and love and self-control. If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, come to Him today and surrender. He is waiting with open arms to take you in. Confess your sins and ask Him to be the center of your life. You will receive His Spirit. And for all who have accepted Jesus as their Redeemer, listen to Paul's reminder: Fan into flame the Gift of God! With Him, you can do all things (Phil 4:13) so go ahead: Face that challenge, speak up with a strong voice, step out in faith and try something new, or hey, maybe even buy that cute bathing suit and we can go swimming together!
God loves you, and so do I!!!
