“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV
I love this passage of scripture because it reminds us to stir up the gift of God and affirms this gifting is in us. Life can weigh us down and keep us so busy that when we take a moment to really evaluate our lives-we realize that though we are busy, we may not be effectively using our gifting. This effects not only our personal merit and esteem but deprives our loved ones and community of sharing something that only we can bring.
I myself can attest to the power of this passage and the grace that God bestows unto His people. I have not had an opportunity to blog in quite some time due to the heavy courseload I was taking. I know it was truly God’s grace and anointing that aided me with attending college full-time as well as being a truly hands on stay at home mom. I can truly say that faith is the substance of things hoped for and I received my evidence nearly three weeks ago as I graduated from college. My journey may not have been a traditional one in fact it was truly a lesson in both faith and perseverance.
I took a leap of faith back in December 2008 leaving a full-time job I had held for nearly six years because I truly felt God was stirring up my gifting. I re-entered college a non-traditional student which basically means I was not fresh off of a high school campus. I realized that God is a restorer and that He will truly make your latter days greater than your former if you have faith, stand on His word and work. My days consisted of waking up at 5:30 am having my devotional time and getting ready for the day: I would then began preparing my son for school and drop him off as I made my way to my own classes. My classes would end just a half hour before his school let out and as I waited to pick him up I would read over my notes and eat lunch(that I had pre-packed). I would pick up my son, inquire of his day and we would head home where he had his snack and together we worked on his homework. I would then allow him some time to play meanwhile I would buzz around the house like a bee from flower to flower, preparing dinner, doing laundry, you get the drift. I would factor in time for my own homework not until after my little prince was tucked in his own bed and prayers had been said.I would often work on papers and projects until 1am only to nap and start another day. I say all this not to drone on but to encourage someone that I had moments when I grew weary but I held on to God’s word that says “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJ
I have learned so much about myself, faith and gifting during these past few years pursuing my college degree. I have learned that as cliche as it might seem if God brought you to it, He will bring you through it. I have found that oftentimes we hear the calling of God and it also affirmed through others about our gifting yet we discredit and discount ourselves. We undergo what I feel are spiritual attacks that remind us of how insurmountable a task is or who has spoken defeat into our lives. God’s word reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV and to ” commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3.
” Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. ” II Timothy 1:6-7
I ask that you reflect on this passage and what God has given you- unique gifting, power, love and a sound mind