21 Days of Fasting and Prayer

5

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I often desire to have a spirit of power or the discipline of self-control.  I would love to be know for my love.  Yet too often a spirit of fear grips me.  It holds me tightly and causes me to do things I later regret.  In those moments my lack of spiritual insight causes me to make yet another spiritual blunder.  I try to grab power, or love, or exhibit self-control, but what I display is weak, empty, and hollow.

I cannot give myself a spirit of power, love, and self-control.  It is God who gives such things.  What great gifts these are from God, and yet God is not careless with His precious gifts.  His stewardship is on display as He distributes His gifts where He sees fit.  Does God give His gifts in me expecting to receive a return on His investment for the sake of the Kingdom?  More importantly, do His gift produce in my life what God desires?

Only as He changes me to be more like Jesus can those gifts yield the desired impact for the Kingdom.  Without that transformation, these gifts are often wasted.  These gifts are not given primarily to remove my fears (even though they often do).  These gifts are given for the glory and exaltation of God.

Prayer: Father God, I know You have not given me a spirit of fear or timidity, and yet that is what often marks my life.  I desire power, love, and self-disciple, and yet I often struggle in my strength to produce these in my life.  Would You change me and teach me, so You can entrust me with these great gifts.  Teach me that You are the source of power, love, and discipline.  Shape me so that these gifts are not wasted on my comfort but invested for Your glory.   

I know the spiritual enemy would desire to destroy my life and disgrace Your name.  Give me a confidence that Your power lives in me.  Give me boldness to love others without expected to be treated with love.  Build a discipline in me that confronts the weaknesses in my life.  May my life be full of Your power, Your love, and Your discipline, not for my sake, but for Your Kingdom and Your glory.