2020 is in our rearview mirror, and the journey through 2021 is well under way. While we are all grateful to put a most trying year behind us, the new year will not be without its own challenges. As we experienced last year, God will be with us every step of the way!
My word for 2020 was “new” because Chuck and I were navigating so many new places and people in our transition into retirement. After the unbelievable trials of 2020 (Covid pandemic, political tension, civil unrest, and financial instability), I longed to return to the comforts and calm of the past. My temptation was to choose the word “old” for the New Year so I could travel a more familiar and trusted path. But, as He often does, God kept whispering a different word in my ear. I have listened and worked to understand its meaning for me now.
“Rekindle” – God has focused my mind on fires that were in my heart at one time that need to be revived or renewed. Fires or plans or dreams that burst into flame quickly die down if the embers are not stoked. God is challenging me to reignite some passions of my past so that He can work in and through me in a fresh way in 2021.
The word “rekindle” is used only once in the Bible according to two translations (Christian Standard Bible and Revised Standard Version). In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul encouraged Timothy to “rekindle the gift of God that is within you” (CSB). Within the context of this verse, instruction by a more experienced mentor is given to a younger follower in the faith. After reminding Timothy of his godly heritage in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, Paul challenges him to stir up or reignite God’s gifts within him. God is calling me to glow again, to renew a zeal for Him and His Word. What about you?
Second Timothy 1:6-10 specifically identifies passions of our past that may need to be fueled. Let’s join Timothy in stoking our spiritual embers. Rekindle …
· “your sincere faith”(v. 5) – Relive the moment you first trusted Jesus as your Savior, and resurrect that zeal for a personal relationship with Him.
· your “gift of God that is within you”(v. 6) – Recall the spiritual gifts from God that you once discovered, and resume Kingdom ministry according to His plans.
· your God-given “spirit of power and love and self-control”(v. 7) – Remember the truth of God’s Word, and revitalize His supernatural love and divine discipline.
· your “testifying of the gospel”(v. 8) – Restate your personal testimony, and retell your story of faith to others as you plant the seeds of the gospel.
· your “holy calling”(v. 9) – Reassure yourself of God’s call to ministry, and rededicate yourself to serving Him with excellence.
Does God need to “rekindle” in your heart and life a passion for Him and a pursuit of His purpose? If so, you should respond now in obedience: Listen to Him and follow His directions. Join me in the journey through 2021 as the Lord stirs up His gifts within us!