Fan into flames

2 Timothy 1:5-6 ESV

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 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…”

Paul reminds Timothy of his heritage and encourages him to keep up the family tradition of honoring God. Paul knew that this young pastor needed all the encouragement that he can get. Paul then tells Timothy, to fan into flames the gift of God in his life. What does that look like? Perhaps Timothy was not engaged enough and Paul felt like Timothy needed some revitalization. 

The spiritual gifts that we possess must be used and exercised to grow stronger. The spark is there, all that spark needs is some fresh air.

When we had several hurricanes come through Gainesville about 20+ years ago, there was so much debris from fallen limbs and trees that the recyclers and landfills could not accept all the debris. Before Jonesville Park was built, they took the land and dug a large hole close to SR241 and used the vacant land to dump these debris. Once the fire was started in the hole, they used large equipment to pile the debris in the hole. They had a large air machine that they put near the hole, and it forced fresh air to the bottom of the hole. The results?  The debris were burned up in record time. Fresh air to a spark result in flames.

Fan into flames the gift that is in you! Get those sparks turned into flames to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Lord, You put the spark in us and the flame. It is up to us to keep the movement going by using our gifts for Your glory. We needed Your reminder, thank You for that, Amen!