by Chandra Peele

While Timothy was in Ephesus, Paul was imprisoned in a Roman dungeon. Knowing the time of his execution was close, Paul felt an urgency to write one last letter to encourage and equip Timothy in the faith. I can’t imagine Timothy’s reaction when the letter arrived. The timing of this letter and the words themselves were no doubt part of God’s perfect timing.

Knowing that a letter was the last thing a person wrote (their last words) makes it interesting. But Second Timothy, Paul’s last letter, is more than just interesting; it carries an important message for us in our time. Paul reminded Timothy—and reminds us—that no matter what we face, God has given us a spirit of power (2 Timothy 1:7) to gain victory over it through faith.

There is power in prayer. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

There is power in God’s Word. His Word can change your attitude; His Word can change your life, and make you a person who can change the world too!

Ask yourself, when your spiritual battery gauge is on low or almost empty, what is most likely to happen?

  • You get your feelings hurt.
  • You complain about the little things.
  • You are an encourager.
  • Your words reflect you, not Christ
  • You are a reflection of Christ.
  • You are considerate of others.
  • You are annoyed with others.

Forget to charge your spiritual battery and, chances are, your focus is off God and on you. Satan notices this as quickly as a dog smells bacon. He can stir up all kinds of trouble with your friends, parents, siblings, and self-esteem before you know what happened. Be careful, or self-centeredness will suck your battery dry—and quick!

Ask yourself, when you are full up with God’s power, what is most likely to happen?

  • You gossip.
  • Your love for others is evident.
  • You recognize the needs of others.
  • You talk back to your parents.
  • You are self-centered.
  • You are beautiful.

Being full with God’s power gives you God-esteem and a new perspective; everything is about honoring Him. With your spiritual battery fully charged, you’ll have energy. You’ll be able to do things you never knew you could, your confidence will be found in Him, and you’ll be ready to go at any given moment.

Your gentleness and love is evident. Your life shines. You reflect Him to the world because you are power-full.

A cell phone has bars to measure the amount of battery life. What is your signal when you are running low spiritually (because we all struggle at times)?

Today are you full, empty or somewhere in between?

Knowing the power of God indwells every Christian, why do we sometimes feel so powerless?

Answer: We are human, and it’s our sinful nature that keeps us feeling powerless. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it, and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (See Romans 8:12–14).

The next time you feel empty or powerless, don’t stay in that frame of mind. Instead stop, turn around and get back on the right path. Focus your thoughts on God through prayer, reading the Bible and/or serving others. Your power gauge will begin to fill back up, just watch and see.

This article is adapted from Chandra Peele’s latest Bible study for teen girls, Power[Full]: The Power of God in a Girl.

Chandra Peele, author of Cherished, Priceless, and Radiant, is a highly recommended speaker and author endorsed by pastor and author Max Lucado; nationally known youth speaker David Nasser; Christian contemporary artist Natalie Grant; and many more.

Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.