As a teen, I was so shy that whenever I tried to speak up in class, my throat would tighten and my sentences would come out in whispers. So when I first discovered Timothy in Scripture, I felt like I had discovered a kindred spirit, because he also seemed to be a timid introvert. Yet, he did not let that stop him from taking huge steps of faith.
- When the elders of his church suggested that Paul invite Timothy to join his team, he took a huge step of faith — he left his city, his church, and his family, and started on a dangerous international adventure for Christ (Acts 16:1-5).
- When Paul asked him to stay in Berea to help the new christians there, he accepted, knowing that persecution was possible (Acts 17:14).
- When Paul sent him to different churches to correct false doctrine and establish church leadership, he stood up to criticism and persevered (1 Timothy 4:11-14).
- And the writer of Hebrews lets us know that even prison did not stop Timothy from continuing to serve Christ (Hebrews 13:23).
How incredibly freeing it is, especially when our stomach is tied in knots, to realize that if timid Timothy could trust the Spirit for the strength to overcome all these challenges, we too can trust the same Spirit of power to give us the strength to do all he wants us to do.
Father, thank you that you can use even timid introverts to help accomplish your mission in your strength. Help me take the steps of faith you want me to take by reminding me that your Spirit gives me all the power, love, and self-discipline I need. Amen.
Throughout This Day: If God asks you to do something that intimidates you, remember that he has not given you a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. Choose to obey no matter how afraid you are, trusting in his strength to do so.
Further reading: Resist Being Consumed by Fear.
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