Paul has invested in young Timothy to whom he says,
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 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 did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:5-7, NIV)
I was spending time with God this morning. I was reading a familiar passage. That’s when it happened. God hit me between the eyes with a two by four. Am I leading out of a spirit of timidity, of fear?
In this day of political correctness, God did not “give us a spirit of timidity.” We are not called to be afraid. God did not call us to be cowards. If we are afraid, we are not trusting Him. If we are afraid, we are not following His leadership. If we are afraid, it is not from God. WOW!
Unfortunately, I have run into teachers, directors, and even pastors who became timid in the face of opposition, resistance, grumbling, apathy, and questions. God calls us to be bold! God needs Davids to step out in the face of giants. God needs Abrahams to lead out in faith when the destination is not yet known. God needs Pauls to speak boldly in the face of opposition. Will God be able to use you?
We have all the resources we need. We have a God we can trust. He has given us our “sincere faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9). He has given us His POWER–which is able to accomplish His purposes and not just ours. He has given us His LOVE–which is able to compassionately lead for their good even when they don’t see it. He has given us His discipline–which stands for what we believe and completes what we have promised.
Wow, when this kind of Sunday School leader is turned loose, God’s work is evident. Lives are touched and changed. Leaders lead. God uses them and blesses their efforts. Will you ask Him to help you to be that kind of leader? Pray verse 7 daily. Take bold steps. Seek a relationship with Him. Be obedient. Be revolutionary!
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