Rekindling the Flame

When out camping, few things are sweeter than getting up in the morning and having enough ashes available to rekindle the flame from the night before. In a previous house, when we had a wood stove in our basement, before going to bed, we would bank the fire. The goal was to wake up in the morning and be able to rekindle the fire as easily as possible. Whether outside under the stars or in a chilly basement, the hope is to use the embers that remain, provide fuel through kindling or small sticks, then fan the embers until there is flame. Rekindling the fire from the embers present shortly turns into a beneficial fire.

In the New Testament, Paul exhorts Timothy: “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 Tim 1:6-7). These words resonate deeply as we navigate the challenges of our daily walk with Christ. As life produces various pressures, at times, we struggle living for the Lord.

To use our fire analogy, although we have embers that remain in our passion for the Lord in our hearts, the fire goes out. We quit burning like we once did. We need the flame. Rekindling is a must.

In these two verses, the Apostle Paul’s charge to Timothy is clear: rekindle the gift God has placed within you. The phrase “stir up” evokes the image of a fire that has dwindled but is not extinguished – or in other words, rekindling. Timothy, like us, faced moments of discouragement, perhaps even hesitation, in exercising his God-given calling. Yet Paul reminds him that the gift of God remains vibrant, ready to be fanned into flame through faith and obedience.

What is this gift? For Timothy, it was likely his calling to preach and teach. For you or me, it may be a talent, a ministry, or a burden to serve others in Christ’s name. We each have received a gift from the Lord. For you and me, whatever it is, God Himself has bestowed it, and He equips you to use it boldly.

Notice, then, how Paul takes it one step further and encourages Timothy with this profound truth: God has not given us a spirit of fear. The idea of fear here refers to timidity in doing something for Jesus, whatever is consistent with our gifting. At some level, it could even be simple obedience. What we know is this: fear can paralyze, causing us to shrink back from God’s gifting. It whispers doubts about our adequacy or the risks of stepping out in faith. However, God’s Spirit within us is not one of timidity. Instead, God grants us power – the strength to act in His name; love – the heart to serve selflessly; and a sound mind – the wisdom to discern and discipline our thoughts and actions according to truth.

This is so critical to remember and apply as you rekindle your the flame in you through the power of the Spirit: God grants us everything we need (power, love, and a sound mind) in Christ to say and do everything God wants us to say or do. He grants us in Christ the capacity to think, desire, and feel in ways that honor Him.

Today, then, reflect on the gift God has placed in you. Has it grown dim through neglect, distraction, or fear? If so, stir it up!

Rekindle it through prayer, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Trust that the One who called you equips you with power, love, and a sound mind to fulfill His purpose.

Possibly, take one minute to pray: “Lord, fan into flame the gift You have given me. Replace fear with Your power, love, and sound mind. Use me for Your glory.” Then, step forward in faith to take the next step in honoring God in your life, knowing God is with you.