Fan the Flames of Faith

​Curiously, my son watched from the top of the stairs as my dad attempted to blow out the candles on the end table. The flickering glow illuminated my dad’s confused face as he repeatedly blew at the flames that refused to die.

With each attempt, he blew with slightly more frustrated force until my son finally came to his rescue, “Paw-Paw, those aren’t real candles. They will turn off by themselves in a couple of hours.” I couldn’t contain my laughter.

​Thankfully, my dad is a good sport who doesn’t take himself too seriously. We all enjoyed a good laugh over the following days of his visit.

​Those battery-powered candles provide a soothing glow to our home each evening. When the batteries are strong, the flames faithfully “ignite” each evening. When the batteries begin to weaken, it warns us by turning on and off sooner than the normal timer is set. When the batteries finally expire, the flames stop providing illumination to our home. Like the batteries in my candle, my faith can weaken over time. Just as a flame needs to be fanned, so does our faith. Faith is not a one-time transaction, but rather a muscle that must be exercised regularly or a flame that must be fanned.
 
In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul advises Timothy, “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.”
 
The instruction to fan the flame reminds us that flames need to be tended. They don’t burn on their own for long. Over time they may flicker and wane. Rather than allow apathy to enter our spiritual lives or the harshness of life to impede us, we must carefully nurture our faith.
 
Paul didn’t leave Timothy wondering how to fan the faith flames God imparted to him. The reminder is the same for us today. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:8, “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.,”
 
It starts with remembering what we already know. Remember Christ!
 
Remembering Christ resets our hearts on what we know to be true. With each declaration of truth, we fan the flames of our faith.
 
Do you find yourself feeling worn down by your particular circumstance or season? Remember Christ! He promises when we come to Him with our burdens, He will give us rest. (Matthew 11:28)
 
Do current events and news reports hang a weight of worry on your soul? Remember Christ! He reminds us to take heart because He overcame the world (John 16:33).
 
Are you walking through heartbreak and sorrow and feel your faith is a flicker you can barely see? Remember Christ! A day is coming when "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Rev 21:24).
 
Remember who He is, that He overcame death and reigns victoriously. Remember He loves you with an everlasting love.
 
Remember Christ and fan your flames!

Memory Verse:  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 NIV

About the Author

Hi! I'm Renee Robinson. I'm married to my high school sweetheart, Steve, and mom to three boys, ages seventeen, fifteen, and twelve. We've lived in four states over the past twelve years and currently live in Omaha, Nebraska, where we homeschool our boys. I'm passionate about leading women to live intentional lives while seeking God wholeheartedly. My desire is to inspire and encourage women to get to know the full truth of who God is, His heart and character, one day at a time in His Word. I'm an avid reader and typically read or listen to about four books at a time. Other than reading and writing, I love to travel, ride bikes, take long walks, or gather friends together at our home for a meal and games. Connect with Renee at www.renee-robinson.com

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