"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands."

2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV)

Your spiritual gift is dying without deliberate attention and care. Paul uses urgent language to wake Timothy from spiritual complacency. The Greek word "anazopurein" means to rekindle or stir up a fire. Timothy's gift wasn't completely extinguished, but it was barely glowing. Spiritual gifts require constant fanning to stay ablaze and effective.

Fanning requires intentional action, not passive hoping for better days. Paul doesn't suggest Timothy wait for inspiration to strike. He commands active participation in rekindling what God has given. You must blow on the embers of your calling deliberately. In 1906, the Azusa Street Revival began when believers actively sought God's power through prayer and worship. Spiritual breakthrough requires intentional pursuit, not wishful thinking.

The Greek word "charisma" means a gift of divine grace. God has placed something supernatural inside you that the world needs. This isn't about natural talent or learned skills alone. Your spiritual gift is God's grace working through your unique personality. It's designed to build bridges between heaven and earth.

Spiritual gifts are given through relationship and confirmed by community. Paul mentions "the laying on of my hands" to remind Timothy. His gift came through connection with mature believers who recognized it. Your gifts need community activation and encouragement to flourish fully. Isolation kills spiritual fire faster than opposition or criticism.

Fear and discouragement make spiritual gifts shrink and become almost invisible. Timothy faced real opposition and challenging circumstances in his ministry. These pressures caused him to pull back from bold action. When you retreat from your calling, your gift dims automatically. Fear makes you hide what God wants to display.

Godseekers, become Bridgemakers who fan flames in others too. Your spiritual gift isn't just for your own benefit or blessing. God gave it to connect others to His kingdom work. When you actively use your gift, you inspire others to use theirs. Be the person who sees dying embers in others and helps them burn brightly again.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I praise You for the spiritual gifts You have placed within me by Your grace. Forgive me for allowing fear and discouragement to dim the fire You intended to burn brightly. Help me actively fan the flame of my calling through prayer, practice, and bold obedience. Use my rekindled gift to build bridges that connect others to Your kingdom. Give me eyes to see dying embers in fellow believers and wisdom to encourage them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

1. What spiritual gift has God given you that may have dimmed due to fear, discouragement, or neglect?
2. How can you actively "fan the flame" of your gift this week through specific actions and intentional practice?

Step of Faith

Today, I will take one concrete action to rekindle my spiritual gift and encourage someone else to use theirs.