Andy Stoddard ~ When You Don’t Have the Words
Have you ever felt like there was something that you needed to say for Jesus, but you didn’t have the words? You didn’t know what you should say or how you should say it? I’ve been there. I think we’ve all been there. At times, we talk ourselves out of witnessing to someone or saying something to someone, because of fear within us about what we should say.
That feeling is okay. That feeling is natural. That feeling doesn’t make you a bad person or a weak Christian. It makes you normal. Listen to what Jesus tells his followers today in Matthew 10: 17-20:
Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Jesus says this – you won’t always know what to say. And that’s okay because your Father will. He will send the Spirit to speak for you in those times. Not everyone will like you. Not everyone will respect you. Folks will disagree with you. And that’s okay.
Because with your words, your actions, your very life, you will give witness to the one who died for everyone – even the folks who aren’t acting with grace towards you. You will be that witness, for everyone to know, see, and experience Jesus’ grace.
And if you don’t know what to say, that’s alright. Listen. Speak. Trust. God will give you the words. Not having all the words is okay. It’s not up to you. It’s up to him. And God will be faithful today.
Follow the Spirit today. God will lead you where he wants to and will speak through what he wants. Even when you don’t have the words.