Finish Line Faith, 3: Learning how to tap the superpower within
By Matt Proctor*
Have you ever asked yourself where you can find the strength to deal with your difficulties?
Maybe you’re facing a formidable foe—cancer, conflict, a dark temptation—and wondering how you will handle it. You are painfully aware of your own limitations, and as you size up the situation, you know your resources—physical, emotional, intellectual—are simply not enough.
In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Paul gives the answer. (Also see verses 8, 14, and 2:1).
God’s power is available to us—no, in us. The Holy Spirit is the one who forges in us a finish-line faith. No matter what you face, Paul says, the indwelling presence of God is enough to sustain you.
In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Paul reminds Timothy of three spiritual resources the Holy Spirit will provide:
• Power to endure difficult circumstances. How do we access the Spirit’s power? Quite simply, by faith. Will you trust God to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20)? Will you refuse to see as hyperbole, “Everything is possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23)? Will you expect to be “strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:11)?
This supernatural power means we can come through crises to finish strong.
• Love to endure difficult people. The Greek word for love Paul uses in 2 Timothy 1:7 is agape, which someone once defined as “an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person.”
Love is the first in the list of the fruit of the Spirit, and as we listen to his promptings in our life, we will learn to seek the best for the difficult people we encounter. He will guide our actions toward them, and eventually our hearts will follow.
• Self-discipline to endure difficult temptations. The Greek word used here means to gain control of yourself in the face of passion. Whether the temptation is greed, lust, anger, or pride, the Spirit helps the believer overcome the vices that war against us.
Not only does the Spirit give us the truth we need to rightly evaluate tempting moments, he also gives us the supernatural discipline we need to rightly act in those moments.
No matter what foe you are facing—challenging circumstances, frustrating people, dark temptations—the Holy Spirit of God within you can transform you in heroic ways.
In the Holy Spirit, you have supernatural power. As you rely on him, you can finish strong.
Especially for caregivers:
• What about your situation makes you feel weakest? Does your struggle fit into one of the three categories Proctor mentions here?
• Read again all the referenced verses describing how the Spirit can help you. Choose one to memorize and ask the Spirit for new power today.—M.T.
Read: 2 Timothy 1:6-7
Pray: Dear Holy Spirit, forgive me for ignoring you and trying to serve the person in my care by my power alone. Thank you for promising so much more than I can muster on my own. I yield myself to your power today and will watch to see you at work in my life.
* This devotion is adapted from a new book by Matt Proctor, president of Ozark Christian College (Joplin, Missouri) (c) 2024. Finish Line Faith is a 12-week study of 2 Timothy perfect for any group or Bible study, and this devotion gives only a taste of the down-to-earth encouragement it provides. Click here for information on ordering copies for yourself or your group.