Fan into Flame the Calling of God - Weekly Devotional
Visit our YouTube Channel and subscribe.
2 Timothy 1:5-11
“5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,”
Seek Christ
It’s human nature to want to know how things will unfold. We long for affirmation—whether in our identity, our gifts, or what we bring to the table at work, in social settings, or even in church. It’s easy to grow discouraged and doubt what God is doing, especially when things don’t look the way we expect. How often do we question God or wish for Him to move in a specific way?
Doubt can lead us to force things that seem godly but aren’t of God. It can also hold us back from fully stepping into the calling He has given us. This isn’t about doubting who God is—it’s about doubting the purpose and plan He has for us. Yet we must remember: while not everyone is called to preach, everyone is called to witness. While not everyone is called to be an elder, everyone is called to live a holy life.
Start by seeking God for the foundational calling we all share as believers. “For many are called, but few are chosen”—not because God excludes, but because few truly dedicate their lives to Him. Too often, we take His tender mercy and forgiveness for granted without fully trusting His Word. But His Word is clear: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Delight yourself in Christ, for that is how we overcome the enemy called doubt. Trust in the power of God. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Jesus is affirming you. Jesus is calling you. Jesus is equipping you through the Spirit He has given you. Trust Him, press forward, and know that His plan for your life is good and full of purpose.
Be Found Faithful
This devotional is not written to diminish or overlook the significance of what God has called you to be in His Kingdom. Rather, it is a heartfelt encouragement for you to pursue the higher calling in the Kingdom of God—not for your own glory, but for His.
If you aspire to serve as an elder, pastor, deacon, or operate in the five-fold ministry of Apostle, Pastor, Evangelist, Prophet, or Teacher, I bless you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, I lovingly urge you not to seek recognition or personal glory in these roles. The glory belongs to God alone. No one shall share in His glory, for He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, and His Kingdom will stand forever and ever.
Instead, strive to be someone who is found faithful in Jesus Christ. Faithfulness is not just about partaking in God’s goodness but also sharing in the sufferings of the Gospel. Remember, God gave His only begotten Son, who was bruised for our iniquities, so that we might have life. Let your service in His Kingdom reflect both humility and gratitude for His ultimate sacrifice. Pursue His calling with reverence, devotion, and a heart solely set on glorifying Him.
Isaiah 53:1-9
1 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
We should take great joy in the suffering of our faith. Do I desire to suffer? No, I don’t. But what I do desire is the fullness of God. With all that I am, I long to be with Him—approved and appointed—not because of my talents or abilities, but because I sought the Lord with my whole heart and was found faithful in His sight.
It is not my goodness that qualifies me, but my faithfulness in the midst of my brokenness. I am committed to His calling, surrendered to His will, and I choose to rejoice both in gladness and in suffering. For in every trial, His presence sustains me, and His purpose refines me. Let my faithfulness in every season bring glory to His name.
2 Timothy 2:11-13
“11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
Fan into Flame the Calling of God
God has called you to something far greater—greater than yourself. Embrace that calling and fan it into flame. Don’t look back or retreat; press forward with determination. Seek God daily, making yourself available for what He wants to do in your life. Faithfulness means being willing and ready to walk in His purpose.
To fan the flame is to encourage yourself in the Lord, refusing to doubt His promises. When thoughts arise that challenge what God has spoken over your life, bring them to Him. Sometimes we think that if God has placed a desire in our hearts, we should always feel excited and passionate about it. And when that excitement fades, we assume it wasn’t truly His calling. But God’s call isn’t rooted in emotions—it’s rooted in His power. His power never fails.
While emotions are not bad—after all, the name of Jesus should stir deep admiration and gratitude—they are not what sustains us. It’s His power and might where we find our resolve and strength. As believers, we are called to move, not by mere thoughts or desires, but by the power of God. And to do that, we must stay close to Him.
Encourage yourself in the Lord. Proclaim His Word over your life and remind yourself of His promises. The strength to move forward is found at His feet. Don’t give up, and don’t give in to the lies of the enemy. Refresh your spirit daily with His Word and promises. Stand firm, and walk boldly in the calling He has placed on your life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, have Your way in me. I seek Your guidance and inquire about the calling You have for my life. I rejoice in the person You are shaping me to become. Mold and shape me according to Your divine purpose. Thank You for filling me with Your Word and Your promises. I wait patiently to hear Your answer, trusting in Your perfect timing.
Lord, I will not grow weary or lose heart in doing good. My passion for You burns brightly, and I will not let that flame be extinguished. I see Your mighty works in my life and give You all the praise and glory. Thank You for giving me purpose, passion, and calling me into Your marvelous light. Thank You for calling me to serve.
Lord, whom may I serve? Lead me to those You desire me to minister to, so that Your name is glorified, and deliverance may come into their lives. Show me how I can demonstrate Your love to someone in need. I humbly ask for Your revelation and direction in these things. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!
Find more original blog posts from Just Saying Jesus Bless here.