Gems for the Journey: A Gift

By Veronica Thomas (Union PSCE, M.Div.’07)

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7 NSRV).

In his book entitled Fear, John Rathbone Oliver quotes a learned doctor who had under his observation and care a patient who was suddenly possessed with fear, and gradually grew worse. One day the physician talked to his patient:

“So far as my experience goes, the people who do not seem to be assailed and poisoned by fear are those who believe and practice the Christian religion. Moreover, by the Christian religion I do not mean a religion man-made, or man-given, but the Christian religion as it was established and delivered to twelve eyewitnesses by a Person who was both God and Man. This Person did not merely live in Palestine hundreds of years ago, going about doing-good and then disappearing forever to some immeasurable distant heaven.  He is by means of His own appointment still present on earth, still walks with men and women, still has earthly habitations where He may be found, and is more intimately united with those who follow Him now than He ever was during the days of His human life in Galilee. I tell you that people who believe and practice the religion that centers around this Personality seem to have an antidote against fear” (Gospel Herald).

As this illustration shows, we as children of God who believe and practice beliefs that center around the Personality of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, seem to have an antidote against fear. In our scripture God gives us the believer’s power to overcome the obstacles of fear.

God has given His children through the Holy Spirit the gift of power, love, and sound mind (self-discipline). Fear refers to a disposition of the mind. The apostle Paul is telling the young evangelist not to fear for fear is not of God. God has given him – as well as us as believers – a spirit of power (to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you [Luke 10:19 KJV]), a spirit of love (God’s love that never fails [I Cor. 13:8a NRSV]), and a spirit of a sound mind or self-discipline  and a mind in you which was in Christ Jesus, a mindset to be humble [Phil 2:5a NRSV]).

I am reminded that in Isaiah 41:10 the God of Israel tells the Israelites in captivity that they are not to fear. Now all believers are God’s chosen people and all share the responsibility of representing Him to the world.  The progression in this verse is most precious: “I am with you”. God established a relationship with us and comes yet nearer, “I am your God,” “I will strengthen you,” and still closer, “I will help you,” and finally he throws His arms around His child and says, “I will uphold you!” God gives us assurance of His strength, hope, and victory over sin and death.

During this time of Covid-19 and uncertainty, our God says, “Do not fear and take heart for He has given us through the Holy Spirit; a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.  This gift only comes from our God to His children. When fear comes, and it will come, let us see fear as a fresh opportunity to trust God. If we step out boldly we will find the spirit supplies power, love and self-control.

The songwriter declares, “Fear not, precious flock, from the cross to the throne, from death into life He went for his own, all power in earth, all power above, is given to Him for the flock of his love. Only believe. All things are possible if you only believe.” Let us respond to the Word of God. Amen, so be it.

*Veronica Thomas (Union-PSCE)