POWER, LOVE, & SELF-DISCIPLINE.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
It was time to register for classes for my senior year of college and I knew the inevitable had finally arrived. Somehow, I had managed to put off taking the most dreaded class of my college career… public speaking.
My advisor raised an eyebrow when he saw I still lacked this freshman-level class, and I acknowledged that it had been pretty stupid of me to wait so long. I’d let my fears of public speaking dictate my life, when I could — or should — have tried to conquer them years ago.
I spent that summer with the anxiety of my public speaking class always lurking in my mind. By the time August rolled around, I was convinced I’d either make a complete fool of myself or die in the process.
But that semester, God brought me full circle regarding my fear of public speaking. He did this though the profound words of the Apostle Paul written to his younger friend Timothy: “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Is there something that worries you?
Are you skeptical that God will see you through?
I encourage you to replace your fear with the three things Paul outlines — power, love, and self-control.
But how?
Rely on the power of God:
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power at work in you. Believe it!
Rest in the unsurpassing love Christ has for you:
His love conquers fear!
Live in self-control and self-discipline:
Be prepared for your day, and then give it to the Lord.
With God’s help, I put this formula to the test my senior year of college. I passed the class, and now, years later, I’m completely comfortable speaking to large groups. Don’t you love the way God works?
THINK ABOUT IT…
What does this devotional reveal to me about God?
What does this devotional reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?