Faith conversations are like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get! And because of the organic, fluid, and unpredictable nature of discussions surrounding spiritual matters, some people are paralyzed into thinking, “I won’t know what to say!”
How about you?
It’s no wonder the most popular phrase Jesus uttered in the gospels was, “Fear not!” And while this general call to trust in the Lord applies broadly in our Christian life, when it comes to giving a witness, Jesus spoke specifically to this issue of knowing what to say.
In Matthew 10, Jesus is preparing to send out the disciples. Part of His training includes instruction in this area of speaking – testifying in the midst of persecution:
You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you (Matthew 10:18-20).
In the midst of this quandary the disciples would face, how much more should we be informed and encouraged by Jesus’ instruction. For many, if not most of us, have opportunities to talk about faith issues devoid of such duress.
In these few verses Jesus provides three powerful principles to ponder:
I. “Do not worry about how or what you should speak.”
If this was true for the disciples, who would be under intense pressure at times – how much more for you and I in the midst of our everyday conversations with people who don’t yet know Jesus. (see also Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6-7)
II. “It will be given to you in that hour what you should speak.”
When the Lord opens up the door of opportunity to give testimony, His grace will give you what you need when you need it! (see also Proverbs 25:11, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7, 11; 2 Corinthians 9:8, 12:9)
III. “For it it not you who speak, but the Spirit of Your Father who speaks in you.”
For the believer, the Lord dwells in us through the person of the Holy Spirit – He not only speaks in us, He speaks through us. (see also 2 Corinthians 5:20, Galatians 2:20)
In light of these truths, ask the Lord for opportunities to discuss faith issues and to share the gospel, trusting that when the door opens, He will give you the right words at the right time in the right way – for His glory. Amen.
