“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12)

I sat in disbelief when a woman told me that very few of her church friends had called her following a family tragedy.

When I questioned our faithful members why they had not reached out to her at this difficult time, almost without exception, the answer went something like: “Pastor, I would’ve called, except I kept thinking I wouldn’t know what to say…so rather than say something that was inappropriate, I didn’t call at all.”

Can you relate? Have there been times in your life when you have said nothing for the very same reason?

• Did you pass up on an opportunity for evangelism because you were not sure what to say?

• Did this fear hold you back from praying with someone who needed healing?

• Did you opt to keep quiet and fume in anger rather than confront someone in love simply because you heard that inner voice: “But I wouldn’t know what to say?”

My answer is a resounding YES to all three 🙁

Jesus anticipated these kinds of scenarios long before we would encounter them.

In this passage from Luke 11, he addresses the issue of persecution which was imminent and inevitable for his followers.

It was important for them to know how to respond.

He did not want them to be paralyzed by the fear of not knowing what to say.

Watch how Jesus prepares them.

He does not teach them appropriate responses or techniques to cover possible situations.

e.g. “If you’re taken before a Jewish authority, quote the prophet Jeremiah. If you’re before a Gentile magistrate, here are a few quotes from a Greco-Roman poet that I believe will come in handy!”

Instead, Jesus assures them: “Don’t worry. I’ve already made arrangements with the Holy Spirit to stream whatever you need to say at that particular moment. Just open up your mouth and start talking.”

He wants them to rely on a Person, not a program.

You will notice that Jesus makes two distinct promises:

#1. The HOLY SPIRIT will teach you. (Can you think of a better substitute teacher?)

#2. He will teach you AT THAT TIME.

Not a moment early…so you don’t have to worry about remembering what He said.

Not a moment late, so you won’t have any regrets about what you said or could’ve said.

The words will come right on time.

What more do we need, eh?

Persecution is indeed a reality for many followers of Jesus even today. It is likely to increase with time. So, Jesus’ promise is just as timely today as it was then.

But it is not limited to persecution only.

The next time you are tempted to freeze in fear when an opportunity comes along for evangelism, healing prayer, loving confrontation or an encouraging word, you may still hear a voice: “But, I wouldn’t know what to say!”

At that point, if you could stay still for a while, you will hear another voice: “Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” It is the voice of Jesus.

In the meantime, would you kindly take a minute or two to share how the Holy Spirit came through for you in such situations?

It would be a great blessing to me and to other subscribers who need this reassurance.

Thanks in advance for your prompt response.

P.S: For those of you who are on the 12:12:12 Fast with us, Congratulations! You’ve made it past the halfway point.  6 more days! You can do it, says the Holy Spirit!!