“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that we have not been given a spirit of fear, but rather one of power, love, and self-discipline.
In the town of Oamaru, where we live, we often take the time to walk and meditate at the wharf where a few small ships are moored. It makes me wonder when these vessels will ever leave the wharf’s side.
As the famous John Shedd quote put it, ‘A ship in a harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for,’ let us break free from the constraints of fear and tap into the empowering Holy Spirit living in us.
By doing so, we can unlock our full potential, wielding the power, love and a sound mind that the Holy Spirit has given us and live a life that aligns with God’s purpose for us.
While fear might try to envelop our minds initially when we face uncertainties and trials, that is not what the Spirit of God gave us.
Instead, God has empowered us with the Holy Spirit’s strength, enabling us to boldly use the gifts He’s given us through faith in Christ. A heart blazing with passion for the Saviour Jesus Christ would always have the power to do all things for God’s glory and honour.
God has shown His selfless love for us by giving Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends, Jesus told his disciples. We will always have the courage to come out and serve when selfish motives do not govern us.
While it only takes a spark to keep the fire going, we need to fan into flame the spark of God’s gift in our lives.
God has given us a sound mind, equipping us with wisdom, discernment, self-discipline, conviction, integrity, and self-control.
While the ship’s integrity is only as good as its imperfect human captain, we have the perfect Holy Spirit who guides and protects us at all times.
Unlike a ship that relies solely on its human captain, we, believers, have the Holy Spirit, who is perfect, always present, and provides guidance and protection beyond what any person could offer.
We are never left to navigate life on our own. With the power, love, and sound mind God has given us, the Holy Spirit remains our constant guide and unfailing protector.
Amen.
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