MAINTAINING YOUR PASSION FOR MINISTRY
This is the second letter the apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son in the Lord, Timothy. Here, we see Paul boldly reminding Timothy, as a father would a son, to take personal responsibility for his own spiritual passion. He reminded Timothy of his calling into the ministry and the spiritual gift he had received at ordination, when Paul had affirmed God’s call on his life through the laying on of hands. Having reminded him of his calling and gifting, Paul urged him to “fan into flames” his spiritual gift from God.
A fire can’t just be started and left to itself. It must be tended. It needs to be stirred, fresh fuel added, and the bellows used to increase the oxygen that feeds the flame. The gifting of God is like fire. It burns in those called. Yet, the fire must be maintained. Paul reminded Timothy to maintain his fire for God.
The more we pour out in ministry, the more we must take care to fan into flame our spiritual calling. Are you fearful or discouraged? Has lethargy or apathy taken hold of you? Fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you. Be reminded of the passion you once had for God and lean into Him in Scripture reading and prayer until you feel the flames rise anew.
PRAYER: Dear Father, fill us afresh with Your Spirit. Help us fan into flame our zeal for You. We confess that we are sometimes weary in well doing. Help us to persevere in faithfulness and in joy until You call us home. In Jesus’ name, amen.