Have you ever worried about being caught on the spot and not know what to say? Does it concern you in your job? Is it a concern with your friends? Is it the reason you don’t talk to people about Jesus? Do you know there is help?
There are times in our lives when we get put on the spot. We are asked a question we either don’t know the answer to or we don’t want to give the answer. We feel trapped. We stumble, perhaps stutter, or even freeze up completely.
When it comes to answering questions about Jesus, we can keep it simple. Especially if we don’t feel knowledgeable. The first thing we do is state the obvious from our beliefs and faith. Keep it short and to the point. We don’t need to provide a grand theological statement to our friends. Honestly, they would probably think we were overstepping our own knowledge anyway.
Second, if we don’t know the answer to a specific question, be honest. Tell them you don’t know, but you can point them to someone who does. They will respect that. Oh, I know, you think your friends will think you are simply pawning them off on someone else. But here is what you need to remember, if you point them to someone who can provide them the answer to their question, they will be glad you did rather than trying to dream up an answer.
Third, here is a nice little exercise I have often done and found to work. I take breath and say a quick prayer. Something like this, “God provide me the answer I need for this question.” It takes less than two seconds in your head. It gives you peace that you are relying on God to provide the answer. You realize it is okay to say you don’t know. And sometimes, just sometimes, God provides an answer that you didn’t know beforehand, surprising you, and allowing you to learn something along with your friend. That is the Holy Spirit working in you!
Yes, we have the Holy Spirit in us, and He is working. We may forget that from time-to-time. But the good news is, He hasn’t. God provides us insights at some of the strangest times. Yet His timing is always perfect. Even when it comes at the very last second.
I pray we all come to feel comfortable relying on the Holy Spirit to provide answers. I pray we realize it is okay to say we don’t know. I pray each one of us will ask God to provide answers for us when we are put on the spot. Trust God. Trust the Holy Spirit. Be okay with saying you don’t know. Give your friends answers to their questions about God.
John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Marty Pressey 