2 Timothy 1.7,8 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.

When a person is born of The Spirit, God gives unto them the power and ability to minister unto others and withstand the fiery darts of fear. Timothy was a protege of the apostle Paul, who was gifted by God and called into ministry. Nevertheless, Timothy, like every child of God is to some degree, was ridden with fears and insecurity. The fiery darts of fear and intimidation from the devil’s toolbox was getting the best of this young man. Like a good older brother in The Lord, Paul exhorted Timothy to stir up the gift that God gave him and walk in His power, love and a sound mind.

Dear ones, there is a fear that does not come from God. It is a fear that wants you to hide your God-given gifts, and retreat from serving others and sharing the testimony of Christ. Granted, there are the fiery darts of fear of man or fear of failure whenever we use our gifts to bless others in the body or when we reach out to the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. There will always be naysayers and critical people when you are using your gifts to bless others. There will always be tension when the light of God’s kingdom assaults the kingdom of darkness. If we are ultrasensitive to those “negative” responses, we are apt to crawl into our spiritual caves and die.

The word for you today my dear brothers and sisters who have “given up” serving or sharing Christ for whatever reason is this. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” Tap into His power and get back in the battle. Your gift is needed and The Lord will prove Himself faithful as you step out in faith.