Jack Nicklaus, at age 59, underwent replacement of his left hip in January of 1999, forcing him to miss his first Masters in forty years. His doctors had predicted the six-time Masters champion wouldn’t be able to return to PGA tour golf for six months. Pleased with his rehabilitation, which included 18 holes daily, doctors released him to play again after four months.

Injuries can be a discouraging setback for an athlete—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Paul’s advice to Timothy is good for us to remember when we get discouraged. “I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you…God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (2 Tm 1:6–7).

Paul reminded Timothy of the faith he had in his heart that had come through his mother and grandmother. “Keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you,” he said. When we begin to fan the flames of strength and boldness that are within us by praying, studying God’s Word, and fellowshipping with other believers, we soon discover the coals that were about to go out will burst into flames again.