2 Timothy 1:7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Paul is writing this passage to Timothy, encouraging him to use the gift that the Holy Spirit has imparted to him without timidity, insecurity or cowardice. He reminds Timothy of the process he has been through to arrive at where he is now. He completely surrendered every area of his life to God, trusting in His power, wisdom and goodness. The elders of the church had laid hands on him and imparted to him a “special endowment” to do the work of God and lead his church. In others words, he was 100% equipped to do what God had called him to do!

What has God called you to do? Most of us don’t pastor churches like Timothy, but we each have a special assignment from God to complete that matters greatly to the Kingdom!

God equips who He calls, so no need to be afraid or insecure. Surrender yourself to Him, be filled with the Holy Spirit and allow God to lead you.

I talked to someone last night who overcame her fear and timidity during a job interview where she knew that God had called her to. And she got the job! She will need to continue to trust God and not be timid as she works in this new position.

A dear friend of mine adopted a daughter who is now 5 years old and is beginning to express her “independence and will” in very loud and explosive ways. My friend feels overwhelmed and inadequate sometimes because she doesn’t know what to do. She sometimes doubts that she is a good mother, but I assure her…God has called her to be this little girl’s mommy and He gives her exactly what she needs to “win” each day! Motherhood is a huge calling and sometimes you’ve got to “Holy Spirit activate!” Actually, as moms, we need to live with Holy Spirit activated, 24/7!!!!

I, myself, have operated in a state of timidity and insecurity for years…I’m embarrassed to say. The calling God has placed on my life has felt bigger than I can handle. But, I am surrendering my life and my will to Him, allowing Holy Spirit to lead me and just obeying Him each day. He says do this, I do it. He says go there, I go. He says talk to this person, I talk. He says write this devotional, I write it!

Instead of fear, let’s agree to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s unwavering love for each of us, self-discipline, self-control and with a calm and well-balanced mind.

Father, I thank you for the gifts and callings You have placed on my life. I surrender to Your will and operate in boldness as Holy Spirit works in me and through me. I WILL be Your hands and feet to accomplish Your will on this earth each and every day.