“God did not give us a
spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of
self-discipline” - 2 Timothy
1:7
Jack
Nicklaus, at 59, underwent replacement of his left hip in
January of 1999, forcing him to miss his first Masters in 40
years. His doctors had predicted the six-time Masters champion
wouldn’t be able to return to PGA tour golf for six-months.
Pleased with his rehabilitation, which included 18 holes daily,
doctors have released him to play again. “This tournament [Bell
Atlantic Classic] works well for me, as it relates to my return
to competitive golf . . . I’m looking forward very much to
playing,” Nicklaus said.
Injuries
can be a discouraging setback for an athlete– physically,
emotionally, and spiritually. Paul’s advice to Timothy is good
advice for us when we get discouraged.
“ . . . I
remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you .
. . For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit
of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
Paul
reminded him of the faith he had in his heart that had come
through his mother and grandmother. “Fan into flame the gift of
God, which is in you,” Paul said. When we begin to fan the
flames of strength and boldness that is within us by praying,
studying God’s Word, and fellowshipping with other believers, we
soon discover the coals that were about to go out will burst
into flames again.
- Are
you facing a discouraging setback now?
- How
can you use Paul’s advice to help you in your situation?
“Lord, I receive the
promise of Your Word. I will walk in faith and not fear and I
believe my setback will become a comeback. In Your name, Amen.”
