“What do I say?” I hear a lot of Christians ask that question. I bet you’ve asked that question. You’re talking with your friends, and you sense an opportunity to encourage them to hear more about Jesus, but “what do I say?” You’re on break at work, and a coworker surprises you by challenging your faith. “What do I say?” Your neighbor tells you about a struggle her family is facing, and you want to share comfort from God’s Word, but “what do I say?” Feeling we don’t have the right words often paralyzes us when we have the chance to talk with others about Jesus. So what do we do? We often keep silent. Jesus knew that his disciples – and you and I – would face this challenge. So he made them this promise: “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:11-12). What a promise! Remember: Jesus’ disciples weren’t public speaking professionals. They weren’t career theologians. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and everyday people like you and me. Yet, their time with Jesus and the Holy Spirit in their hearts meant they were ready to speak up about Jesus in any and every situation. You’ve got the Holy Spirit too. He has lived in your heart ever since you were baptized into God’s family. You’ve been with Jesus too, and you hear his voice every time you hear God’s Word. So God doesn’t want you to worry about that next opportunity to share your faith. In fact, it’s God himself who gives us those opportunities to point others to him. Pray that when those opportunities come, God the Holy Spirit will guide what you say to lead others closer to Jesus. Just remember that the Holy Spirit works through God’s Word. The more you hear and read God’s Word, the more the Spirit’s words will be on your heart and in your mind. The more you listen as God speaks to you in his Word, the more prepared you will be the next time you have the chance to speak up about what you believe. So don’t worry. May God’s Spirit and God’s Word guide and bless you today!
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