September 10

Read: John 16:12-13

Do not be worrying beforehand about what you should say, but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you that will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit (Mark 13:11, Williams).

He Will Guide You

In the Spirit-filled life may I expect God to tell me what I ought to say and to guide me in what I ought to do? The answer from God’s Word is Yes, but that answer must be thoughtfully examined. Divine guidance is a privilege of the Christian life indeed a mark of the child of God. The Bible tells us, “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). But this high privilege is surrounded by some safeguards.

Who were the men to whom Jesus spoke in our text? Under what circumstances were they encouraged not to worry about saying the right thing? What was the area of truth in which they might depend implicitly upon the immediate inspiration of the Holy Spirit?

These men were God’s men; they had made following Jesus the business of their lives. They were soon to tarry for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They were men who would arouse opposition in giving their Christian witness. It was this kind of men, doing this kind of work, and encountering this kind of opposition, to whom Jesus gave the promise of on-the-spot, unpremeditated, Spirit-inspired answers.

Is this promise for me? Under comparable conditions, yes. Am I a child of God? Have I tarried for the baptism with the Holy Spirit? Am I making it my business to be a follower of Jesus? Am I trying to witness for Him? Then I need not be afraid. His Holy Spirit is with me and will guide me. I may rest in Him to prompt the right thoughts and words without worry and without nerve-destroying strain.

Promise For Today

Thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel… in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15).