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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV

For me, to "fan into flame the gift" translated into attending a writing conference. I came away encouraged and inspired by new ideas to help grow as a writer. New life was breathed into my craft.

Writing is not only something I love, but something I have to do. It's how I express thoughts and feelings looking for an outlet. It sounds self-promotional to call writing a "gift." But, I can’t ignore the "lumpy package" that has been dropped in my lap. I must be faithful to unwrap the contents and develop the potential in hand.

Stepping up takes bravery I don't possess on my own. God gives boldness when I turn to Him for courage and strength. His Spirit gives power, love, and self-discipline to do what He has led me to do (II Timothy 1:7 NIV).

Why would we hold back from taking next steps to use and develop our gifts when He wants us to fan them into flame? Fear is water on the flame. Worrying what others think is a continual drip that extinguishes sparks.

God has entrusted each of us with gifts. Think of them as seeds. If we hide, store, ignore, or throw those seeds away, they’re useless. But if we plant those seeds in good soil, water them and provide sunshine, those seeds will grow. If you’ve been given a peach seed, in due season you’ll get the delicious peaches of that peach tree, but that seed has to be planted and nurtured.

In the parable of the talents, a wealthy landowner entrusted talents to his servants. The servants who used their talents to earn more talents were rewarded. The servant who hid his talent because he was afraid, was punished by the land owner. The one talent could have at least been put into the bank and earned interest (Matthew 25:14-30 ESV).

What about you? What gifts are sitting in your lap unopened? You do have gifts. They wait to be acknowledged, accepted, and fanned into flame.

Maybe you like to teach, or you’re a creative, gracious host who makes others feel welcomed and loved. Maybe you sing or play an instrument. It could be you’re handy with household repairs and maintenance, a much-needed helper. Or, you’re an administrator, great at organizing and managing details. These are just examples of the various gifts God gives His children.

Whatever your gifts, explore ways to fan them into flame. The world needs the warmth of your fires. 

Accept the bundle of kindling, and
     build fires of His choosing.

Light leaps to dark places, and
     God-ordained fires spread
          through the warmed hands of others.

Fan the flames and
     stoke the fire, then
          watch the gifts glow . . . and grow.

One day, you’ll hear what the faithful servants heard in the parable of the talents, “. . . ‘Well done, good and faithful servant'” Matthew 25:21 (ESV).

Lord, help us to see and acknowledge the gifts You’ve given us. We pray for ideas on how to fan those flames into fire. Help us to be faithful to use our gifts to serve others and to give You glory. Thank you, that You want to work through Your children to love the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.