Speak

I do remember the first time I had the opportunity to speak at church as a young kid. I was around 15 or 16 years old and my minister was helping me prepare. He was trying to help me have plenty of material because he said what looks like 20 minutes of material might be presented in 10 minutes because I might speak fast. He really knew what he was talking about. I think I spoke for 12 minutes. I can still remember some of the content of my first message. I can also remember some of the content of the last opportunity that I had to speak. My goal when given the opportunity to speak is not to speak what I want to say, but what the Lord wants me to say. His content might be very different than mine.

Jesus sent His 12 disciples out to teach among the Israelites and He gave them lots of instructions. I was moved when He reminded them that the Holy Spirit would give them the words to say. Check this out….

16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:16-20 NIV)

I think the challenge for me is to listen and let the Lord speak into my heart about the words I should say. He always comes through. I can have a conversation with Him about upcoming opportunities with other people and He gives me thoughts and concepts to share. I know He gives me wisdom because I’m not smart enough to cover most of this on my own. With Him, I’m wiser than opponent. I look really wise and smart but it’s ONLY because of Him directing my thoughts.  I believe He guides my words and my steps in every area of my life IF I will simply ask Him and listen as He speaks. These words are what I felt He was saying to me today.