When the Apostle Paul wrote 2 Timothy1:7, he encouraged Timothy not to be fearful or afraid in pastoring or leading the church in Ephesus because he was a young minister. Perhaps Timothy was intimidated by the older members of the church. But regardless of what Timothy had felt being a young minister, the Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that God had given him power, love, self-control, and not the spirit of fear. The power that Paul was talking about in this verse refers to the power of the Spirit of God that works within him. Timothy could stand any challenges or problems he would encounter because the Spirit of God's power was in Him. Timothy also had the love of God in Him. Through his relationship with God, he could minister to people. And God had given him self-control, which means a sound or balanced mind. He could make the right decision because he walks in God's truth.
When facing life challenges, we must be reminded that God has not given us the spirit of fear but power, love, and self-control (sound mind). God doesn't want us to walk in fear or intimidation. When we walk in fear, we allow Satan to influence our minds. We need to deal with our fear immediately by reminding ourselves that we have the Spirit of God that gives us power, love, and a sound mind. We must put our confidence in our Lord, who loves and cares about us. We have the power of God to resolve any challenges we face. Our love relationship with God will carry us through our difficulties. God will work everything out according to His purpose and plan. Through the Spirit of God that works within us, we can know God's truth, which helps us have a sound mind. We can make the right decision and think better because of the Spirit of God that lives in us.
Let us not walk in fear. When fear grips our minds and hearts, let us remind ourselves that God did not give us the spirit of fear but power, love, and self-control (sound mind). We have to choose not to walk in fear but in power, love, and self-control. We can trust that God will work everything out for us in His perfect timing. We just need to persevere in trusting Him and obey what God is telling us to do.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you) Why do I not need to walk in fear? What did God give me to face challenges in my life? Do I have a choice not to walk in fear but in power, love, and self-control?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, would you please help me not to walk in fear but in your power, love, and self-control? You are greater than the problems that I am facing right now. Please help me not to give in to fear, but help me to walk in peace and confidence in you. Please help me to rejoice in my challenges, for you are in control of my life. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
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