October 3, 2019
What does it say?
Paul longed to see Timothy and reminded him to use his God-given gifts.
What does it mean?
Paul began by explaining how Timothy’s faith was an encouragement to him during his time in prison, even though Paul’s imprisonment had greatly discouraged Timothy. Paul brought Timothy back to the roots of his faith, reminding him that Jesus took his death on the Cross and that the Holy Spirit provided the power to live for Christ and to faithfully serve Him. Timothy needed to rekindle his God-given gift of leadership in ministry because it was greatly needed by the church. Paul urged Timothy to focus on the grace and love of Christ, along with what Paul had already taught him.
How should I respond?
Any follower of Christ can become discouraged. Discouragement can lead to neglecting the very things that would help you the most. You can refocus your attention and energy by going back to the roots of your faith: spending time in prayer, studying God’s Word, talking about Jesus, and using your gifts to serve your church. What spiritual disciplines do you need to rekindle today? Maybe you need to pray for a specific need, share a hard truth with a friend, or help someone God keeps bringing to mind. Take Paul’s advice and think first about Jesus and the strength that comes from His love for you. Let His grace be the motivation that fuels your faith – regardless of your circumstances.