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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
– 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV
We are timid because we are fearful. We fear failure. We fear danger. We fear risk. We fear mistakes. But as Jesus’ parable of the talents reminds us (Matthew 25:14-30), playing it safe out of fear in matters of faith is highly displeasing to God! Because the Holy Spirit is personally within us, because the Holy Spirit leads, guides, empowers, transforms, enables, inspires, directs, convicts, and blesses us, we must not be timid. The Spirit’s influence is clearly seen in the release of spiritual power, the practice of loving fellowship and care, and the self-disciplined discipleship of Jesus’ followers. Let’s not be timid. Let’s be bold in the areas where the Spirit is at work in our lives!
Forgive me, Father, for the times I have been fearful and timid in living out my faith in Jesus. I ask that the Holy Spirit give me holy and wise boldness as I live for your glory, O God. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Ken Crawford 