SPEAKING HIS WORDS
You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. —Matthew 10:18-20
Recently I watch a light-hearted video of police officers lip-sinking to a well known song. With all the bad attitudes toward police that is happening in the U.S. it was nice to see these guys, even though they were from a different country, enjoying a fun moment together. Even though the words were not their own they appeared so… at least to some degree.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=631427926978883&set=vb.159050394216641&type=2&theater
There have been times, are times right now and will be times when believers will be on trial because of their relationship with Jesus. It is happening all over the world in various degrees. Believers are to see these as opportunities to speak as our Father guides us in those situations. If will not be lip-sinking, a pretending of speaking words that someone else is saying. No, it will be the Father actually speaking through us. So when persecution comes because of our love for Jesus, let us see it as another opportunity to share God’s Word with people that we normally would not come in contact with. Let us do this with love, gentleness and humble hearts, knowing this is what our Lord Jesus experienced.
Will we experience some difficult situation today? It may not be or it may be we are arrested and brought to court because of our love for Jesus. One thing is sure, if we truly live godly lives in the Lord Jesus Christ then we will experience some form of persecution at some time (II Timothy 3:12). May we approach those times as Jesus said we should and seek to honor Him. May it be so.
Dear Father, may we trust the Holy Spirit to give us the wisdom and the words at the proper time in whatever situation we may find ourselves in. Thank You that You promised to give us the words we need in difficult situations, but also in all situations. May we be listening and speaking in the authority of our Lord Jesus.