Inspiring Spirit/Empowering Spirit
When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11 (New Revised Standard Version)
I have always been a person who likes to plan things out. I have put my faith in preparation to ensure that I fulfill my responsibilities and make good on my commitments. Today’s verse helps me understand that it is not my careful preparation, but instead, it is the blessings of the Inspiring Spirit in which I must put my faith.
In today’s reading, Jesus reassures me that as I follow the Holy Spirit into potentially difficult situations, I do not have to worry about what I am going to say because the Holy Spirit will speak through me. How liberating to know I can trust in God to provide the words when I might otherwise labor over what I should say or write.
My faith is strengthened as I look back on the most difficult times of my life and realize that during these times the Empowering Spirit was with me, providing the words and speaking through me. This gives me courage to pursue my faith with confidence.
Prayer: Lord, as I face trials and tribulations, grant me the faith to speak the words I am given as it is not I who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Greg – Cohort 3: Inspire. Ignite. Invite.
Bethel Lutheran Church, Gary, IN
