It Only Takes a Spark: Living with Power, Love, and a Sound Mind (2 Timothy 1:6–7)

Have you ever tried starting a campfire with a tiny spark? You crouch down, blow gently, wave your hands like a windmill, and hope the flame catches before the smoke sends you running. It looks small and weak at first, but when you fan the flame, that little spark grows into something bright, warm, and powerful. Paul uses the same idea with Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6–7—some things God puts inside us don’t burn brightly until we fan them into flame.

Paul writes this letter from prison, chained up for preaching the gospel. Meanwhile, Timothy, young and naturally timid, is feeling pressure from every side—critics, fear, and discouragement. So Paul reminds him, “Fan into flame the gift of God.” In other words: Timothy, God has already lit the fire in you, but you have to keep fanning it. Gifts and callings don’t reach their full strength by sitting still. Like a fire, they grow when we give them attention, courage, and effort.

The phrase “fan into flame” is a picture of blowing on a small fire so it grows. Timothy already had the gift—Paul says it came when he laid hands on him—but the flame needed attention. Gifts are like muscles: they weaken when ignored but grow when used. Paul wanted Timothy to quit holding back and start using what God had given him with passion.

Then Paul explains why Timothy can be bold: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” This is one of the most encouraging verses in the whole Bible. First, Paul says God did not give us fear. A better translation might be “cowardice” or “timid shrinking back.” Fear doesn’t come from God. Fear is like that annoying voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. Paul wants Timothy to recognize that voice for what it is—a liar.

Instead, God gives three things: power, love, and a sound mind. Power means strength to do what God calls you to do—not superhero strength, but the courage and confidence that comes from the Holy Spirit. Love means treating others with grace, patience, and kindness even when ministry gets messy. A sound mind means self-control, clear thinking, and spiritual focus. While fear makes our minds spin in circles, God helps us think straight.

Paul’s message is simple: Timothy, the gift is already in you. God already equipped you. Now stop letting fear run your life and start using what God gave you.

Think about your own life. What has God placed inside you—faith, talent, compassion, a story to tell, someone to encourage? Maybe you’ve let fear or doubt keep it sitting on the shelf like un-stirred leftovers. But God didn’t create you to freeze up. He created you to step forward with His power, His love, and His clear-minded courage.

Here’s one thing you can do today: identify one small step of obedience and take it, even if you feel nervous. Send that encouraging text. Pray out loud for someone. Volunteer. Share your faith. Start the project God has been nudging you to begin. You don’t need a giant fire—just a spark. But when you stir it up, God can turn that spark into a flame.