11/21 Matthew 10:19

¹⁹ When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.

Jesus warned His followers that life would not be easy for them. There were a number of areas in which they would face persecution, legal systems, religious systems, and secular authority. In the verses that follow Jesus said that even our family will turn against us. That is because the way of Jesus is so different from that of the world. Our priorities in life will collide. We often find ourselves speaking truth that makes the world angry. The truth of God's word convicts the world of sin. Their consciences will bother them, and so they will attack us.

Jesus said this is so that we can be a witness to them. Whenever we are given the opportunity to defend our faith, we are sharing to all within the sound of our voice the wonder of God's love for us and the change He has made in our lives. That brings them to a decision of whether they will remain lord of their life or yield to the Lordship of Christ. In our verse for today, Jesus told us not to worry about what we will say. God will quicken to our minds the words we should speak. You will ride on the wind of the Spirit as He works through you to comfort you and deliver the truth to your accusers.

I have read accounts of these experiences in countries that are closed to the gospel. They are nothing short of miraculous experiences. God's heart is to win our persecutors to Himself. That is an even greater victory than delivering us from persecution. It is our testimony through the difficult times that is most convicting to those who oppose us.

Consider: God will not only inspire your words in times of trial but also when you are sharing with those who are seeking the truth. Study and prepare, but trust God to uniquely give you the words for each situation.