2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:6-7  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,  ⁷ for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

In life, we all have dreams and ambitions.  We all have things we would like to do or accomplish.  We have people we would like to meet, places we would like to go, things we would like to try, but for one reason or another, we haven’t.  Some of you are probably thinking the opportunity hasn’t arisen yet.  Others may be thinking you just haven’t had the time…maybe when the kids move out, maybe when your finances are in better shape, maybe when you retire, maybe, maybe, maybe…

I think one of the main roots of why we don’t do the things on our list is because of fear.  We are afraid to fail.  We are afraid to make a fool of ourselves.  We are afraid of what others will think.  Fear is holding us back.

I love today’s passage.  The word “fear” in the Greek is “deilias - deili,aj” and is only used in the New Testament once – in this passage.  It means cowardice, timidity, or fear.  This is not the spirit we are given.  We are given power (dunamis - du,namij…where we get our word dynamite from), love (agape - avga,ph…unconditional love), and self-control (sophronismos - swfronismo,j…self-discipline, sound judgment, prudence).

I feel like God is saying – look, I’m only going to tell you once, so catch this!  You are not made for cowardice or timidity!!  You have power like dynamite, the ability to love unconditionally, and the capacity to possess sound judgment.  Now go out there and follow my lead!!

So what are you waiting for?  We aren’t called to live a life of fear; we are called to live a life of freedom!  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Because of Jesus – we are free from fear!  Praise Him today because of our freedom!!

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy