“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 the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Tim 1:6-7
I have often read this verse and thought that I need to live more powerfully, love more and stop being so timid and fearful of others. But here the focus is not on me but on the effects of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Power, love and self-discipline are products of life in the Spirit.
When we are filled with God’s Spirit we live a life that does not focus on the external, where we see people and circumstances differently. When we live from the inside out, the Spirit of God gives us a sound mind – a mind that is stable, a mind that has the ability to see things as they truly are and to respond appropriately.
Rather than being fearful or thinking that I just need to get through, I see a life of victory, abundance and blessing and this gives me confidence and hope to live for God. You cannot produce the fruits in your life – God does. He brings about the changes – our calling is to live in the Spirit and to interact with the world from that place.
Be encouraged, it is not up to you to see your life and the lives of other changed – that’s God’s job, all you need to do is to fan the flame of His gift in you.