But you will receive power when the
Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will
be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in
all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
How many of you would go on a trip without any luggage? Not
me. I stuff as much as possible in a suitcase, just in case I might need it.
However, when Jesus sent out His 12 disciples to preach the gospel, He
instructed them to take nothing with them--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money,
no extra tunic (Luke 9:3). Doesn’t
that sound strange? Jesus was teaching His disciples that He would provide for
every need as they obeyed Him and ministered in His name.
The same is true for
believers today. Most importantly, He provides for us spiritually. He gives us
opportunities to minister. He gives us strength, direction, understanding and
wisdom as we minister. He even gives us words to speak.
In Mark 13 Jesus was
instructing His disciples to preach the gospel to all nations. He warned them
that they would face persecution and instructed…do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say
whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy
Spirit (Mark 13:11). As we listen, God gives us the words to speak to
others.
Jesus compares those
who teach His Word to an owner of a house who
brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old (Matthew 13:52). As
you faithfully study the Bible, the Holy Spirit within you stores His truths in
your mind and heart. Then He faithfully brings them to mind when He wants you
to speak those truths to others (John 14:26).
So, believer, you
have everything you need to go out the door and minister to others. That is
God’s command to us (Acts 1:8). Perhaps the Holy Spirit needs to give you and
me a nudge! But before we step out the door, this should be our prayer:
Lord, where would You have me go, and
what would You have me say? Father as I have faithfully studied, You have
faithfully stored Your truths in my heart. Bring them to mind. Speak through
me. Use me as Your voice and hands today. Amen.
Jan Burkhart
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