Stir It Back Up

2 Timothy 1:6–7
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

There’s a fire in you… But maybe it’s just settled a little too long.

Paul wasn’t telling Timothy to go get something new. He wasn’t calling him to chase down a fresh anointing or try to find a hidden purpose. No, Paul simply said: “Stir up what you already have.”

You don’t need a replacement… you need a reigniting.

Sometimes we feel like the fire is out, when in reality, it’s just resting at the bottom.

Like sugar in sweet tea that’s settled… it hasn’t left… it just needs a stir.

Don’t mistake stillness for absence.

God’s gift is still in you.
His call is still on your life.
The fire is still flickering.
You just need to stir it back up.

But here’s the thing: fear will try to stop you.
That’s why Paul follows up with this powerful reminder:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear…”

Fear wants to make you sit still.
Fear wants you quiet, hesitant, second-guessing your purpose.
But God gives power. God gives love. God gives a sound mind.

So if fear is running the show in your life… that’s not from Him.
Stop giving fear the microphone.
Start letting faith do the talking.

And don’t miss this: Paul didn’t say,
“Ask God to stir you.”
He said, “YOU stir it up.”

YOU, you have to take ACTION…

That means revival starts with responsibility…
Faith starts moving when you start moving…

Maybe that means lifting your hands again in worship.
Or dusting off your Bible again.
Or saying “yes” to the ministry call you’ve been avoiding.

Whatever it is… tonight, today, right now…. stir up the gift!

Reflection Questions:
What’s a gift or calling in your life that may have grown quiet or settled?
What has fear kept you from doing?
What’s one action you can take today to “stir up the gift”?

Prayer:
Lord, I don’t want to sit on what You’ve placed in me. Help me stir it back up. Remind me of the fire You once lit in my heart, and give me the courage to let it burn again. I reject fear, and I receive power, love, and a sound mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell III