FEEL THE HEAT!

2 Timothy 1:6 “I now remind you to stir into flame the gift of God which is within you…” This inspirational verse is used in many of the books provided to us in our journey as United Methodist Women. During my morning devotion time I began to wonder what caused Paul to write this to Timothy. These words of encouragement were spoken to Timothy for a specific reason. Paul understood the struggles his friend was facing and wanted to send him words of encouragement. In verse 5 he writes “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Louis and in your mother Eunice and I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” He also says in verse 7 “ For God did not give us a spirit of timidly, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Paul encourages Timothy to feel the indwelling spirit passed on to him by his mother and grandmother, and to draw from that spirit of power and love to speak boldly for Christ. In other words stand up for your faith.

Like Timothy each of you has been called to ministry in the Christian church as United Methodist Women. You have inherited strong beliefs from the women in your lives along with the first women who possessed the courage to become organized with the purpose of being in mission with women, children and youth.

As one of your district leaders I understand the struggles you face daily in your own church families, and I want you to know you are being lifted up in prayer daily. I would also like to encourage you to “rekindle the flame” and draw from the spirit within each of you. United Methodist Women have a long history of ministering and caring for those hurting in the world and the time is now to act boldly and use those gifts given to us by God to continue the work that began so many years ago.

We have inherited much from our past and we need to use the strength passed on to us by those women who have gone before us. Like them we will face many struggles, and like them we need to stand up for our faith. It is through our faith we are able to continue taking care of so many women, children and youth around the world. It is for the sake of those in need that we need to speak boldly for them in the name of Christ.

Blessing and Prayers to each of you and the work you and your units are doing. There are so many in need today, but I believe each of you possess the same sincere faith as Timothy. It is through that faith together we are making a difference in the world.

Sincerely in Christ
Sharon Burkart, District President

4-1-2010