Fanning Grace into Flame
AM Psalm 137:1-6(7-9), 144 • PM Psalm 104
Prov. 8:22-36 • 2 Tim. 1:1-14 • John 12:20-26
I’ve been thinking about dormancy for a while now. When I was in my thirties, a case of shingles reminded me that a virus can hang out in these shells of ours for decades, waiting to come roaring back when the conditions are right (in that case, a combination of mid-term exams and a painful breakup). My mother confirmed that the case of chicken pox I’d had as a child was relatively mild, so it made sense that some trace of it had lingered. I’ve fretted that Covid could behave similarly, but I’m able to push that fear away most of the time and get on with life.
This week’s reading from 2 Timothy 1:1-14 has provided an opportunity to reflect on a more joyful possibility of what could be hanging out in our very cells, leading me to wonder: can G_d’s grace be lying dormant in us right now? Is it always? Of course it is! Right?
I’m thinking of this part of the passage, especially: 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. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
And this: He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
When I read this, I let my mind rest on the part that says that grace has been ours always, “given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” We were made for this—born to experience grace, embodied in us through the Holy Spirit as, “power, love and self-discipline.” What a thing to know, especially on the days we feel defeated, exhausted, or like we don’t measure up. Everybody feels like a chump sometimes. These are the perfect conditions for this dormant, inborn grace to arise in us, when we take a moment to recall that it is and always will be there, and to fan the flame of this gift into a roaring bonfire through faith, prayer, worship, and any other actions that express reliance on G_d and our belief in His will for us. To fan the flame of this gift and share its light and warmth with one another.
Written by Jane V. Blunschi
Originally from Louisiana, Jane lives, writes, and teaches in Fayetteville, Arkansas.