Words from the Rock
Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
Matthew 10:17–20 Message
Jesus wants you to know that situations will come up where you are put on the spot because of your faith. That’s just part of being a Christian. Whether it’s a friend challenging your personal convictions, a teacher questioning your beliefs, or maybe even someone who makes false accusations just to get to you, you can expect that life won’t always go smoothly. In fact, if your life is going too smoothly, you might want to wonder what that means. Because it’s usually the ones who are making their best effort to follow Jesus that get hit the hardest—like a spiritual smackdown.
But Jesus is saying not to be concerned when this happens to you. In fact, he takes it a step further by saying that it’s a positive thing when you meet this kind of opposition, because it gives you the opportunity to speak out about what God’s doing in your life. It’s like that person (the one picking on you because of your faith) has just given you the stage, the spotlight is on you, and now you get to tell anyone within hearing distance that you belong to God and that he’s doing some very cool things in your life. And it’s likely that some observer is going to be hugely impacted by your statement.
Okay, the idea of being the center of attention might make some people nervous. Especially ones with a phobia of public speaking. (By the way, that’s the number one fear in our country.) But Jesus says not to worry about what you’ll say. He promises that God will give you the right words at the time you need them. All you need to do is trust him to do that. Just don’t forget that it’s all about him—not you.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Prepare me for times when I get smacked down because I’m living my life for you. Help me to trust you for just the right words to answer my opposition.
Amen.
Final Word
This should prove to you that I am speaking for Christ. When he corrects you, he won’t be weak. He will be powerful!
2 Corinthians 13:3 CEV
Stone for the Journey
When you live all-out for God, you should expect some opposition.