A Spirit of Power, Love, and Discipline

How do we react to uncertain times? To danger? To situations filled with the unknown? To wars and rumors of war? To economic uncertainty? To troubles at work? To family problems? To potentially serious illness? Many react with fear and worry. Some even panic.

But God has a different perspective. We can find His direction in the words Paul wrote to Timothy: No matter what we face, God want us to not be timid or afraid. In every situation, He wants us to draw on the spirit He has given us.

Paul used three important words to define this spirit!

Power. As Christians, we are not weak and powerless. God-the Creator of all things-is our Father. We have access to the greatest power in the universe. If we want to live in victory, we need to believe in that power and exercise it!

Love. No matter what we’re going through, God’s Spirit gives us a love that is beyond human understanding. We can love others, even when they do not seem lovable.

Discipline. In uncertain times, it can be easy to feel weak and unstable. But God has given us a spirit that enables us to be confident in every situation. Instead of giving in to fear or panic, we can be calm and well-balanced.

As James warned, we must not be double-minded, for the man “who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6 NKJV). We need to be people who exercise discipline and self-control.

Today, ask God to remove any fear in your life. Instead, “stir up the gift of God” (v. 6). Allow His Spirit to give you His power, love, and discipline.