Fanning our gifts into flame: an ongoing effort

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God…For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ~ 1 Timothy 1:6a-7

I recently completed extensive revisions for my second Harlequin Love Inspired novel—THE FIRE CHIEF’S SURPRISE (July 2025)—a return to Northern Arizona’s fictional Sweetwater when the fire chief gains custody of his foster brother’s baby and needs the town baker’s matchmaking help to find him a wife, while trying to reconcile their pasts and falling in love. But there were several days I doubted my ability to persevere. Yet as Christians, we’re called to share our spiritual gifts (I’d like to think mine is encouragement through my stories), with a reminder to fan them into flame; i.e., run the race. Which requires ongoing effort over time, rather than a brief burst of enthusiasm. And daily reliance on His power, love, and self-discipline.

What spiritual gift do you need to fan into flame?

Photo by: Daniel Norris on Unsplash