Timothy: the shy young man

Timothy, a young disciple of Paul, is one of the most beautiful examples of how God can use even the young and shy to accomplish a great purpose. Raised by a Christian mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, who educated him in the faith, Timothy received the influence of a solid spiritual education. Despite this, however, his temperament was shy and vulnerable.

Paul met him on one of his missionary journeys and invited him to join him in his work, recognizing in him a heart full of zeal for the Lord. Initially, Timothy was not a natural leader, but his devotion to God and his love for the truth led him to be a precious companion to Paul. Despite his young age and natural shyness, Paul continually encouraged him not to be intimidated, urging him to be strong in the faith and not to allow anyone to look down on his youth.

Timothy faced many challenges along the way, managing a church with internal challenges, persecution, and false doctrines. But Paul, even though he was far away, wrote him letters of encouragement, urging him to continue in his calling and to remain steadfast in the faith, even when circumstances seemed difficult.

Paul reminded him that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a strong will.” Timothy thus became one of Paul’s greatest collaborators and a key figure in the early Christian communities.

His story reminds us that, even though we may feel insecure or inadequate, God equips us for His service, and no matter our age or our fears, with God we can do extraordinary things. Like Timothy, we too may feel shy, insecure, or unprepared for what God asks of us. However, God does not look at our weaknesses but at our willingness.

His strength is perfected in our weaknesses, and when we trust Him, He uses us to make an eternal difference. Our faith, if nourished and lived with constancy, becomes a powerful testimony, despite our insecurities.

I hope that your heart has been touched by the Holy Spirit and that you begin now to look at yourself as God sees you.

God bless you, Carmelo Orlando.