Praying For A Strong Faith That Is Genuine

 GENUINE FAITH

Who are those faithful witnesses to God’s goodness that we’ve come across along our journey?  Who stirs that desire in us to do better, to trust God more, to seek to be more gracious and patient persons?

In the Bible a young man named Timothy and a mom and grandma who were some of his examples:

Remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  2 Timothy 1:5-7

But as we read there, even the best examples can only stimulate us to do what’s needed.  It’s up to us to “fan into flames the spiritual gift God has given us.”

It is also encouraging and true that we often have whole communities of faithful people who are part of the faith journey we are walking today.  Not only did Timothy have his mom and grandmother but also he had people in the church who had prayed for him and laid hands of blessing on him. 

And so, two challenges come to mind for me today.  Who has encouraged me with their life witness and blessed me with their prayers?  I need to take a moment and give thanks for them.

And then the flip side of the coin.  How am I living and interacting today so God can use my life as a witness and my prayers to release His power in someone’s life?

Loving God, what a pleasure and privilege it is today to live as your sons and daughters.  We are blessed with many people who are gifts to us of Your grace and truth.  Because of Jesus, and these faithful witnesses to His goodness we can confidently affiarm today:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  2 Timothy 1:7

We live in that joyful faith today.  Amen