Iron Sharpens Iron

2nd  Timothy 1:7  (KJV)  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

 

With enough pressure and disappointments, the passion you have for God can wane. The apostle Paul understood Timothy was in such danger. Persecution against believers was rampant, and false teachers were infiltrating Timothy’s church, causing terrible division. Under such strain, anyone could become tired, dispirited, cynical, and could even question if efforts to serve the Lord were in vain. But Paul taught Timothy how to stay strong, and you can benefit from his counsel as well (2nd Timothy 1:3-14). How? First, acknowledge that you are having trouble. Second, do as you did when you were really on fire for God – study His Word, praise Him, exercise your gifts, and fellowship with believers who encourage you. Third, repent of any sins, admitting that you need Him and want to live in a way that honors Him. Like Timothy, stir up your passion for God and take hold of the Spirit of love. power and discipline He has given you. He will not only restore your spiritual fire; He will make you a shining light to the world that desperately needs Him. Never underestimate the power of fellowship and counsel from godly men and women in our lives. Iron sharpens iron and we all need sharpening at various times in our Christian walk.