Reflections: What will I say?

My high school memories are generally good—I was reasonably well-liked, and my grades qualified me to be in the National Honor Society, win a few essay contests, and earn a college scholarship. My parents valued education, so when a test was scheduled, I studied for it. 

One day, though, I’m not sure what happened, but it was as though one section of my notes just wasn’t coming to mind as I faced the test questions. After completing the rest of the test, I returned to the problematic questions and—what else?—prayed. And my memory seemed to jump-start as I began recalling the answers. 

Had I not studied and paid attention in class, though, the outcome might have been different. I recently thought about that incident while reading Proverbs 16:1, “The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD” (NKJV). I believe God helped a desperate teenager that day—because I had worked to prepare. And God has provided a means of preparation for when we face a tough situation. 

In Luke 12, Jesus taught his disciples the they would encounter challenges as his witnesses after his death, resurrection and ascension. “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say” (v. 11-12, BSB). Jesus spent considerable time training his disciples to continue the work, and they listened and took his words to heart even when they didn’t fully understand. When He left, He promised the Holy Spirit to help them recall his teaching and give them the words to speak. 

Apostles Peter and John experienced Jesus’ promise firsthand shortly after the Day of Pentecost. After healing a lame man in Jesus’ name, Peter was empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach to the astonished crowd; but the religious leadership were not happy, and the apostles were arrested and questioned. But “Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 3:8) had an answer the accusers could not argue with. They “saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized they were unschooled, ordinary men” (v. 13). That boldness came from preparation time with Jesus and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus’ teaching is recorded faithfully for us in the New Testament, along with inspired words from the apostles, so that we can spend time in prayer and preparation. Peter later wrote to the early Church, “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). 

Note the following verses, though: “But respond with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (v. 16-17). Numerous stories have emerged from restricted nations, of faithful Christians being dragged into court and beaten, or worse. Yet some of their captors have actually turned to Christ after their powerful witness. 

Let’s take every opportunity to study, pray and listen to the Holy Spirit, so we won’t have to wonder, “What will I say?”