2 Timothy 1:6

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Paul reminds Timothy of something important.

God had placed a gift within him.

It had been recognized when the elders laid hands on him and prayed. Timothy had been set apart for the work God called him to do. But now Paul tells him to stir that gift up again.

Why would Paul need to say that?

Because gifts can sit unused.

Not because God removed them, but because fear quietly pushes them to the side. A person wonders what others might think. What if I speak up and people misunderstand? What if I pray and nothing seems to happen? What if I step out and it goes badly?

Fear has a way of putting a lid on what God has placed inside someone.

Paul tells Timothy to stir it up.

The phrase carries the idea of stirring embers in a fire so that the flame rises again. A fire may look as though it has nearly gone out, but when the coals are stirred and fresh air reaches them, the flame comes back to life.

The same thing happens with spiritual gifts.

They often grow stronger when they are used, even imperfectly. A person who begins praying for others may not always see immediate answers. Sometimes healing comes quickly. Sometimes it comes later. Sometimes it does not come in the way we hoped.

But one thing almost always happens.

People are grateful that someone cared enough to pray.

That simple act of stepping forward often encourages hearts far more than silence ever could.

God did not place gifts in His people so they would remain hidden. He placed them there so they would bless others.

So Paul’s message to Timothy is simple.

The gift is already there.

Now stir the fire and let it burn.