Rekindle the gift

“I urge you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you… for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:6–7

Well, that sounds simple enough. Simple not easy. When we are faced with situations that stir up fear, we have, right within us, the power, the love, and the sound mind (self-discipline) of the Holy Spirit to do what is right and good, even when we are trembling.

I was about seven when I first learned that verse. It was at the home of a man named Stan. (Is that irony?) His oldest daughter taught it to me, when I was afraid at a sleepover. I wanted to go home, but for whatever reason, I couldn’t. I remember lying there, whispering those words over and over until something deep in my spirit grew calm. I knew, even at that age, that the Holy Spirit was real, and that He was with me. Truly, He was with me then, and He is with me still!

This morning, we go back to the hospital so that doctors can place a port catheter into my little girl’s tumor-ridden body, a body that should never have to carry this kind of pain. Through that port, they’ll inject medicine strong enough to destroy what’s destroying her, in the hope that it kills every active cancer cell and shrinks the tumors to an operable size. But this takes an enormous toll on her body.

To say I’m not afraid would be a lie. This is, without question, the most terrifying thing I’ve ever been asked to do as a mother. Watching your child endure this, even knowing it’s the right and necessary thing, cuts deep into every corner of your heart. But one thing I will not and can not let go of is hope.

Because I know that same Spirit who comforted a scared seven-year-old girl still lives in me now. The Spirit who gives power. The Spirit who gives love. The Spirit who gives a sound mind when fear wants to steal it all away.

By the Spirit, Ennie and I will walk into that hospital hand in hand with our brave little warrior and trust that the God who began this good work will be faithful to complete it.

Please, friends, pray for our EvanMarie, for peace, for strength, for miraculous healing. Pray for wisdom for her doctors, steady hands for the surgeons, and courage for this mama and her family as we walk this road.

Because even in the valley, especially in the valley, we have hope in Christ.

⸻

Come, Holy Spirit,
fill our hearts with Your presence.
Drive out fear, and pour in peace.
Give us courage to walk in love,
strength to endure the unknown,
and faith to trust that You are near.

Padre Apla’s, ruega por nosotros.

Amen.

---