“Do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.” – Matthew 10:19
As I sit here trying to think of where to begin this post on Matthew 10:19, I can’t help but chuckle at myself a little. Here I am, sitting at my kitchen table attempting to write the first blog post I’ve written in weeks wondering how or what I should say on this subject. A bit ironic, isn’t it?
I don’t think we usually give a lot of thought to this verse. We skip straight from “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” to “Brother will betray brother to death, and father his child”. Still, this verse has a lot to say if you have the perception to notice it.
I find it a bit funny that the Bible talks so much about relying on God for everything, yet we have so many conferences and programs focused on how to lead, speak, or appear confident. Now, I’m not advocating that pastors never prepare a sermon, or speaking without thinking first. Common sense is a valuable resource. That being said, don’t worry so much about what you’re going to say. Don’t turn down an opportunity to share Christ or speak in front of people just because you don’t know what you’re going to say. That’s where God comes in.
The second part of this verse gives a bit more background as to why Jesus tells us not to worry about how or what to say: “for it will be given to you in that hour what you are to say.” There’s the key. Jesus tells us that instead of relying on ourselves and our own preparations and skills, we must rely on God. God has a plan. He always does, and He will give you the words to say if you trust Him to do it.
I think self-confidence is overrated. Let’s try out a new one. How about God-confidence? All throughout the Bible, we see God telling us to forget about ourselves and rely on Him. What need do we have to be confident in ourselves? We’re broken, sinful beings redeemed by Christ. Instead, let’s trust in Jesus. That always seems to work out a lot better for all the stories I’ve read about missionaries or in the Bible. Jonah ran from God and ended up in the belly of a fish, but Daniel prayed to God and was safe even while laying in a den of lions. Aaron grew impatient and crafted a golden calf to replace God, but Joshua trusted God and the sun itself stood still when he needed it to.
“…and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:4-5
Relying on God always turns out far better than relying on ourselves. Trust in Him for everything you need, even your words, and I think you’ll find that He can work more powerfully than you ever imagined, if only you trust Him enough to let Him use you.
Heaven says
This is so true, Darrel! We need to trust & rely on God with everything. He is here to guide us through life the Biblical way. We may not be perfect, but with His perfect self, He knows what is right for us. He’s got a path that He wants us to take!