Do you like to be prepared? Do you think through every possible response or argument someone can bring against a statement or proposal you may make? Do you fear opposition? Do you have confidence in your ability to refute opposition? Where does your confidence come from?
Being prepared can be very good. It is especially good when we are participating in a sporting event, playing in a band, and when making business propositions. Doing our homework is important. We often carry this mentality into witnessing for Jesus.
Though there is nothing wrong with preparation and we should study the Bible to be confident in his instruction, we should not worry about what we will say when someone opposes us. It may seem unconventional or counter cultural, but when we remain calm and depend on God to provide us the answers, he will do so.
Jesus had just spoken about all that will happen prior to His return. He warned the people ahead of time, including that many will be brought before various authority figures to testify. He states that they are not to worry about it or even to make their minds about what they would say. Instead, He says that they will be given what to say.
We, too, can be confident that we will be given what to say. We must continually be in prayer that we are guided by the Holy Spirit in both actions and speech. When we believe we will be given what to say, we do not need to worry. It doesn’t mean we don’t study. Yet, we lean on the Holy Spirit to guide us.
I pray we all take time to study God’s Word. I pray we ask God to guide us in our discussions about him. I pray each one of us are confident the Holy Spirit will guide us as we need it. Study God’s Word. Ask God to guide you. Be confident in the Holy Spirit. Follow his guidance.
Luke 21:14-15 “So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.”
Marty Pressey 