2 Timothy 1-7
“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did. Without ceasing, I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears so that I may be filled with joy. 5 When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. I am persuaded it is in you also. 6 Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God, which is in you, by laying on my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.
It hadn’t been even a year since I had last seen my second-to-oldest daughter, my son-in-law, and my grandchildren, but to me, it seemed like a lifetime. I had never been separated from my children this long, but I knew they would venture out from within my reach one day. I counted the days until my flight, but as it got closer, I thought about my fear of flying and anxiety trying to grip me; but like Peter, I had to become like a Rock and focus on my constant companion, Jesus Christ. I also reached out to my companions who pray for me day and night, and I them because we all face battles seen in the physical realms and unseen in the spiritual.
Timothy was like a son to Paul, and Paul begins most of his letters with these words, “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord” because he was spiritually awakened to the guiles of the evil one who is at work day and night seeking to kill, steal, and destroy those whom God loves; His children. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were also awake to the realities of spiritual warfare. Instead of wishing for Timothy’s well-being, they prayed for God’s divine protection, direction, correction, and provisions according to the will of God our Father and through the Grace of Jesus Christ. I needed deliverance from two enemies; the fear of flying, and the addiction that held me hostage from my teenage years until 39 days ago , and I got to embrace my children and grandchild. I had a longing in my heart that I couldn’t fulfill without the power of prayer, the love of family, and a mind fixed on Jesus’ steadfast in the perfector of my faith. It was through the Power of Prayer that I overcame both; praise and glory to God Almighty.
James 1:12-14
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the LORD has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God;” for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. 14 But each of us is tempted when he is drawn away by his desire and enticed. 15 When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; when it is full-grown, sin brings death.
Father of lights, I come to You with a heart filled with gratitude and humility. I am thankful for my family in Christ and the blessings of our offspring. I quote Your word from James 1:16: “Every good gift is from above, and every perfect gift is from above. You are the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done in us and through us and our loved as it is in heaven. Direct our steps away from the temptations of our flesh, the world and the devil. Empower us to overcome all things that are not of Your Spirit within us, and our loved ones, and deliver us from the sins that lead to death. Thank You, Father, for giving us every physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental gift according to the abundance of Your Grace, mercy, steadfast love, and faithfulness, which is unlimited. Forgive me LORD, for placing limits on You according to limited faith and beliefs of my ancestors and myself. Expand our horizons and redeem what has been lost or taken from us from day forward for Your honor and glory through Christ Your Son, and my Redeemer.