Brave ~Five Minute Friday~

For God has not given us spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a

sound mind. ~2 Timothy 1:7

I hear this verse often in Christian circles. I quote it myself for encouragement and reminders that our God is big and we shall not fear. What I hadn't realized is the context of this particular verse. Do you know what the one directly preceding it says:

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you

through the laying on of hands. ~2 Timothy 1:6

Paul  is speaking to Timothy about spiritual gifts! And this is something I'm still thinking on. Here's a confession- ever since posting my thoughts yesterday about gifts, I've been considering going back and deleting that last part- the one that says 'God has given me a gift to teach others with His Word.'

Why is it so hard to confess a gift to others? Why do we acknowledge the gift and then turn around and deny the gift? Do we think accepting and sharing and using the things God purposefully gives us is some sort of prideful act? Why do we think that way?

When I give my children and gift and they actually use and share it- do I conclude they are being prideful and selfish? Sometimes, yes. And that must be our problem.

We are sinful people who have issues with accepting that what God gives us is a gift of grace and not something we deserve or have earned. This includes our spiritual gifts. I'm pretty sure He even gives us gifts we're not capable of using. Gifts we must stir up. Gifts that require His hand in helping us build.

I have a suspicion that God gave Aaron, Moses' bother, a gift of leadership not because he earned or deserved it, but because God chose Aaron. Simple as that. I also wonder if He gave Aaron and artistic gift, which was in turn used against God and for the worshiping of an idol.

But since God's gifts are simply God's grace given to His unique created people, there can be no room for pride or self exaltation.  And the fears we may have are that of becoming boastful, discovering we were wrong about our gift and embarrassing ourselves,  or being rejected by others as we step out in faith believing God in His gift. Because ultimately it really is His gift meant to be used for His body and His glory.

It takes a brave woman to trust God and others with your precious gift.

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Lisa-Jo offers the challenge week after week:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Oh and Ahem, if you would take pity and turn off comment verification, it would make leaving some love on your post that much easier for folks!

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Brave…

(I always edit. I'm a terrible typer. Maybe a little prideful too.)

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