Stay Stirred Up

That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you…. II Timothy 1:6a (Amplified Bible Classic edition, AMPC)

I remember when we used to go camping we would have a big fire that would really light the place up. The next morning when we woke up the embers were still glowing and hot, but we would have to stir them up to ignite a fire again. Sometimes it seems like we are in a long, dark night, with the fire down to just a few embers. We need to stir those embers and get a fire going again.

One way we can stir ourselves up is by prayer. As we pray, the fire begins to burn again. Also- reading and studying the Word will reignite our hearts- it reminds us of the great things God has said about us and for us. It reminds us how much He loves us. The Word is alive and it gives us life. We can hear a good message taught or preached, and that can fire us up.

Another way to get stirred up is to purposely remember what He has done for us in the past. And as we focus on Him, we are drawn into worship and praise, singing songs that stir us up. Finally, we can help others and do things to serve, such as in our local church. Helping others and being a blessing always blesses us as well.

Staying stirred up is a choice. No one will do it for us. It is up to us to do something to begin to stir the embers, and God will step in and blow on those glowing coals, turning them into a flame.