I can identify with Timothy. I am an introvert and can be timid, sometimes struggling with self-confidence. That makes it easy for me to sit on the sidelines, wanting to participate, but unwilling to risk failure. And that is why I love this verse so much.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)
God has called me to serve him, but he doesn’t expect me to do that in my own strength. If he did, I would fail and retreat into myself. But he has given me his Spirit, And his Spirit gives me power, love, and self-discipline; all of the things I need to be effective in serving him.
When I am weak, he is strong. When I want to run and hide, he helps me to stand and face my fears and adversaries. My fears and weaknesses have not gone away, But his strength is sufficient to act in spite of my fear; when I trust him.
I am not naturally very loving. I care deeply for my wife, family, and a few close friends. But I can be judgmental and indifferent to others. However, God’s Spirit teaches me to love others, to seek to understand them, and to show them compassion.
And his Spirit helps me to do what I sometimes don’t want to do. It is hard to get up early to pray. It’s hard to put down the book or garden tools and study. Sometimes it’s hard to write about what God has taught me. But he helps me to be disciplined when I might otherwise not be.
I am so thankful for God’s Spirit. The Spirit that overcomes my timidity. The Spirit that gives me power, love, and self-discipline.
Convictiing.. Ok,God, I hear you…