“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 

I was intent on listening to our speaker, when I sensed – more than saw – her walk up behind me. She quickly touched my back and whispered in my ear, “come with me, I need prayer.” She brought another woman as we quietly made our way out of the seminar room.  

“It’s all coming back,” she said. We huddled together in an open hallway, cold from the desert's morning air. “I can’t do this. I can’t speak. I’m terrified. Please pray for me.” 

The three of us knew she was up next to teach this group of Middle Eastern workers, but my young coworker and friend seemed to be breaking. Her desire to help them see how God was able to heal the emotional pain that can come from field work seemed to collide with the stories she planned to tell about the trauma she had suffered. Tears rolled down her cheeks and her body shook.  

With our hands on her shoulders, we entered into the battle through prayer. Soon her trembling stopped, and her breathing slowed as God gave her the courage to walk back into that room. 

I’ve seen it before. Fear sometimes steps in the door at the same time God gives us the opportunity to use what He’s taught us. Paul was aware of this as he addressed Timothy early in his second letter. Paul wanted to remind Timothy that God had given him salvation and gifts through His Spirit. He wanted to underline in his young friend’s mind and heart that there is power and love and self-control available through that Spirit. He knew Timothy would need courage to keep sound doctrine and the church intertwined.  

We need that courage, too. When fear runs in the door with opportunity, how does courage come? My friend knew exactly what she needed. She needed His Body alongside her in prayer and God’s Holy Spirit to give her the strength to walk forward in His love. She needed to trust all that God is. She needed Him to give her the self-discipline and courage (which by its definition implies that fear is present) that He would accomplish all that He had planned. 

Twenty minutes after we’d exited the room I marveled at my young friend as she taught in front of our group. It was the first time I’d seen her in this role, and I was amazed at His obvious gift. His incredible power had not only given her this ability to teach, but also the courage to do it. 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8