Key Scripture
2 Timothy 1:6–7
Fan into flame the gift of God… for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love and self-control.
Devotional
Paul told Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God within him. That tells us gifts can be present but neglected. Fear, disappointment, comparison, criticism, or a long inactive season can cause us to shrink back from what God has entrusted to us.
Paul immediately connects the gift with courage: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Spiritual boldness is not loudness. It is the willingness to use what God has given you even when insecurity tells you to hide.
Today is the final day of our *Prayers Over My Children* plan, and this verse can also shape how we pray over the next generation. We should not only pray that our children avoid trouble; we can pray that they become courageous, Spirit-led people who use their gifts for God’s purposes.
There may also be a gift in you that needs attention again. What did you stop doing because you were discouraged? Where did fear make you small? Ask the Holy Spirit whether it is time to fan something back into flame.
Do not bury what God placed in you because fear became loud. You can begin again, one faithful step at a time.
Heart Check
What gift, calling, or area of service have you allowed fear or discouragement to push into the background?
Practice Today
- Complete Day 3 of *Prayers Over My Children*.
- Name one gift or ability you sense God has entrusted to you.
- Take one small action this week to begin using it again.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, breathe fresh courage into the gifts You have placed in me. I reject fear as my leader. Give me power, love, and self-discipline to serve faithfully. Fan into flame what has gone dormant. In Jesus’ name, amen.