ACTS 6:8-10

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

TO PONDER

I was fortunate to be able to attend the 'Better Blokes' camp down at Warrambui on the King's birthday long weekend. One of the speakers at that camp was talking with us about why we don't live as victorious sons of the King (I suspect you ladies could also say daughters, but remember it was a men's camp). He said this, "ultimately it's the panic that gets us." And you know what, I'm sure he's right.

So often I think Christians panic and freeze in the face of their friends questions about faith, or God, or Jesus. It's like we think we could never offer a plausible answer or give an account of our own faith and so we close up like a clam. But notice what happens to Stephen in today's verse, the Spirit gave him wisdom as he spoke. Stephen wasn't full of wisdom all the time, it's not like all his friends were lined up outside his house waiting to lean some bit of divinely inspired wisdom every time he opened his mouth, but when the situation required it, He spoke and the Holy Spirit provided the words.

There is no reason to believe it would be any different now. You may not feel qualified or able to speak, don't let the panic get you, God might just be waiting for you to open your mouth so he can use it to speak his wisdom, but you'll never know if you don't take the courage to open your mouth and trust God to be at work.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, I know there are times when I forget that because of Jesus, you are at work in me and through me. Help me to learn and trust that when I need your wisdom to speak into a situation, you will be with me, and that if no words come out, then perhaps all you need me to do is listen. Help me to remember that you are my helper and guide. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle