February 23 Be Confident

Luke 12:11 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
 
WE need a great deal of strength and confidence to follow Jesus, don’t we? Someone recently said that one reason Christianity is declining in some areas of the world is because Jesus’ followers are more and more reluctant to speak for him. Critics, friends and non-believers easily shut our moths simply by expressing their disapproval of our testimonies. Some even mock us, don’t they? What are we to do?
    We keep speaking of the Master and trust the Holy Spirit, don’t we? That is Jesus’ teaching and affirmation here. He, of course, knew his disciples who stood before him that day and his followers through the ages would face much more than mocking and disapproval. Many would face torture, imprisonment and death for his name. What would they say when questioned about Jesus? What words would come from their faithful lips?
    Jesus assured his disciples that his Spirit would speak with them. They could minister in confidence to express the gospel amid derision and persecution. As they opened their mouths, words would come to present the Christ to kings, rulers, authorities and even disbelieving family members. In faith they could “take the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 5:17b) to lift the cross before the culture.
    It is good to know as much of God as we can, so we can clearly offer him to unbelievers. But it is not necessary to know everything. The main thing to know is the Lord is with you in turn and in Spirit. Remember that he has called you to be his own. Your life is in his hands. You will be his life-changing tool when you faithfully speak for the Lord of your life.
 
Prayer: I love you, Lord. I pray my tongue will always be loose to tell of you and your great love, grace and forgiveness. Amen.