JUST DO IT!

(From DAILY WORD FROM JESUS, devotions based on Jesus' Words from St. Matthew - www.bobtasler.com)

Matthew 10:19-20 - “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. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Polls tell us there is almost universal fear about public speaking. Nearly everyone is frightened of standing before a group and delivering a message. Pastors and professors prepare detailed manuscripts so they won’t forget. Politicians and actors memorize line or use teleprompters.

Jesus tells us not to worry about all that. He says when we are called on to share our faith, He will give us the words to say. But we can still be prepared. Even if we don’t have it memorized, we need to think about what we say, and we need to pray for the right words to say.

Few of us will be required to stand before the wealthy and powerful of the world to defend our faith in Jesus. But nearly all of us at some time will stand before friends or fellow workers and be asked, “Why do you go to church?” “Do you really believe in God?” Or, “How can you handle that problem so well?”  That’s when Jesus’ Daily Word helps us.

When we defend or share our faith, the Holy Spirit will give us words to say. God will speak through us, so we need not be afraid. We may be uneasy, or concerned someone will take offense at what we say, but God will speak through us, and His message will have its good effect.

God said through the prophet Isaiah, “For as the rain and snow come down from heaven and water the earth, so it shall be with My Word. It shall accomplish the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11) God’s Word is powerful and will change people in amazing ways.

If you are called on today to tell what Jesus means to you or defend your faith, don’t worry. Just do it! Through your words, God will accomplish His purposes.

Lord, give me words to speak when others ask. Amen