Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – 2 Timothy 1:6-7 – A Sound Mind – Growing As Disciples
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NKJV)
Holding You Back
What is holding you back? I’m not sure what you mean. Are you sure? I might have some idea of what you are asking me. Could you be clearer? Yes, I can be crystal clear. What is preventing you from stirring up and using all the spiritual gifts that I have given to you? Have I left some of my spiritual gifts under-utilized or even completely unused? What do you think? If you are asking me what is holding me back then I’m certain that I have either left my spiritual gifts under-utilized or maybe even completely unused. That is not a happy thought for me. Why is that? I can think of little else that is more important than using the spiritual gifts that you have given to me. I want to use all my gifts. I want to go wherever you guide me. I want to do whatever you ask of me. I don’t want to waste any of what you have given to me. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Those are very good desires that you have in your heart and mind.
Let’s come back to the question I asked you. What is holding you back? I’m tempted to say that I’m not sure what is holding me back. That would not be true, would it? No, it would not be true. You know what is holding you back, don’t you? Yes, I know what is holding me back. I’m listening. Fear is holding me back. I am afraid. What are you afraid of? I am afraid of failure. I am afraid to fail. What would be more of a failure, not trying at all or not succeeding when you tried. I know what is safer. That is not what I asked and I don’t think you really know what is safer. It would be the far larger failure to have never tried to do what you have called me to do. Would it be safer to not try to do what I have called you to go and do for me? No, it would not be safe, at all. That’s true.
Let me clarify some things for you. I’m listening. I have given you spiritual gifts. I have prepared good works in advance for you to do for me. I will call you to go places and do things for me. I have given you my love, a sound mind and my power. Do you think that I will not help you to go and do what I ask of you? Do you think that I will allow your efforts to end in failure? Do you think it is my plan that you will be unable to accomplish my purposes and fulfill my plans for your life? No, I do not. I believe that you will help me. I believe that you are with me. I know that you will help me to bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Yes, I will. Don’t let anything hold you back. Follow me to where I lead you. Do what I ask you to do. Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.
Lord, help me to discover all the spiritual gifts you have given to me. I don’t want any to lie dormant and go unused. Show me when, where, and how to use my spiritual gifts in a sound, loving and powerful way to bear abundant fruit for your kingdom and glory. Amen
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
The Mind – 2 Timothy 1-6-7 – A Sound Mind – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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