2 Timothy 1:1-9. The opening lines of Paul's second letter to Timothy. Paul greets Timothy, wishes him grace, mercy, and peace in God and thanks God while remembering Timothy in his prayers. Paul remembers that Timothy was in tears the last time he saw him, and he longs to see him again so he can be filled with joy. Paul remembers Timothy's sincere faith which was fortified by his mother and grandmother, and Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle the gift of faith "for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control."

It is all too easy to feel overwhelmed and put upon by the problems and sufferings of this world, and to retreat into our "safe spaces" in tears and timidity - licking our wounds and feeling sorry for ourselves. That is not what God wants for us or from us! When we have this beautiful, wonderful gift of faith, we are able to see the world through God's eyes. Paul reminds us to let him show us what he wants us to do, and let him inspire us with the power of the Spirit to do it!

It is so much better for us to embrace this gift of faith and the power that comes with it to do God's will. Hiding in our room crying won't change anything - we must embrace the "spirit of power and love and self-control" and go out and do things - in any small way we can. That will be enough, that is what God wants from us today. That is what will earn us the ability to "thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience" as Paul does!