“For I remind you to fan into flames the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given to us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Tim:1:6-7).  We read also in 1 Timothy 4:14, ‘Do not neglect the gift in you, which is given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the elders”. There is a difference of opinion on exactly what that gift was but, as Paul states, it came through a word of prophecy and the laying on of hands by the elders and Paul.

But something is happening in Timothy at this point that is causing Paul concern. The imagery he uses is of a fire that has been allowed to die down, so the flame is barely visible. Maybe there’s only a few embers remaining but if left unattended will soon be extinguished. It seems like the cause is a “spirit of fear”. Whether this is an actual entity called “fear”, or whether the circumstances around him are playing on his human emotions is unclear. I suspect that both are true. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” but spiritual forces designed for his destruction and ours. For whatever reason He has shrunk back, pulled into himself and is quickly being marginalized from his calling.

Before Timothy began his journeys with Paul, in Acts 16:3, he had proven his worth to the Christian community. In fact “he was well-spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium” (2). He was tested, and rightfully so, in both character and ministry gifts. He began to learn, as Phillips Brooks reminded those under his care, to fasten himself to the center of his ministry, by knowing God’s calling on his life and his ministry giftings. Yet knowing is one thing. The challenge is always staying true to that calling. There are so many distractions that can cause one to lose focus and even passion. For Timothy it seemed like he struggled not just with the challenges of ministry life but faced opposition to the Gospel, even hardship which may have caused him to lose focus, to take his eyes off of Christ and His calling, allowing fear to crowd out faith.

The annals of history are replete with those who began well and finished poorly. People like Demas, a ministry partner of Paul and yet fell in love with the present world, deserting Paul in his time of need (2 Tim.4:10). The same may be happening to Timothy, taking his eyes off Jesus (Heb.12:2), being overcome by fear and shrinking back. Paul reminds Timothy not to replace power, love and a sound mind with fear. It will take him to a dark place that will ultimately either destroy him or will definitely destroy the calling of God upon his life.

“Fanning into flames” can never be about working himself into a frenzy or trying harder. It won’t work for him. It won’t work for you. It is, and must always be, God blowing upon the embers of his life and restoring passion, passion for Christ and a love for His work. This comes by a renewed waiting on God, until he be clothed in the Spirit and filled afresh with His presence. The Psalmist puts it this way, “You have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil” (92:10).

The elders, even Paul, can speak destiny over Timothy’s life but they can never give to him the power to fulfil that destiny. No one can do this for him, or for you. It comes only by waiting on God until He baptizes/fills you afresh with the Holy Spirit, clothes you in His fulness and renews you to do that which He has called you to do. Others may sense a calling on your life. Only God can fulfill that in and through you.

“Fresh oil. God grant us fresh oil!”

Blessings!