Daily EncouragementSample

In the opening lines of this second epistle Paul offers Timothy a wealth of encouragement. He assures him of his constant prayers and warm affection (verses 3-4). He affirms his “sincere faith” as he traces its deep roots in Timothy’s mother and grandmother (verse 5). Then he reminds him of his ordination, as he calls him to fan into flame the gift of God he received at that time. That gift is probably well described as “the authority and power to be a minister of Christ” (Plummer). Finally, he emphasizes the nature of the Spirit which God has given - “not a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.”

Timid Timothys today may benefit from the same encouragement. To know that you have the prayer and fellowship of a spiritual giant or two behind you, to feel the roots of your faith run deep in family soil, to remember the hour of your ordination - here is strong comfort indeed. But the gift of the Holy spirit is the supreme encouragement. There can be no greater comfort than the Comforter. “Power, love, discipline” - these are the essentials for effective ministry, and these essentials are precisely what the Spirit can supply. Does this not call us to our knees to fan the flame?