“At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

— Matthew 10:19-20

Someone told me recently about an illustration that I used in a sermon several years ago. They said it made a helpful point that they have often shared with their kids through the years. It had to do with the consequences of our actions—if you pick up one end of a stick, you also pick up the other. They said I also used an actual stick to help make the point.

But I don’t remember using that illustration. I don’t even remember using the stick. But I expressed my gratitude that the illustration was helpful, even though I didn’t remember it.

Our passage today talks about the Lord’s promise that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them the most. I believe this is true, even in situations when we are not being persecuted. If we lean on the Holy Spirit, God can use our words to breathe life, encouragement, and conviction into the hearts of others. God can use our words to bring exactly what someone needs in that moment—even if we don’t remember everything we have said.

Let’s pray that God will give us his words if we are ever being persecuted. And in our everyday conversations, let’s practice witnessing about his goodness so that we are ready.

Jesus, we pray for believers who are being persecuted for their faith in you. Give them strength and your words to say. Please also guide us all as we witness about your goodness. Amen.