SCRIPTURE:
“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
Luke 21:12-15
OBSERVATION:
Jesus tells them what they can expect as one of His followers. In the same way, He is speaking to us today. Believers will face challenges and difficulties. Yet He calls us to make up our minds beforehand, not to worry on what to do. He will give us the words and wisdom that we will need.
APPLICATION:
Jesus knew a great deal about people. He knew our tendencies and how we would act and react in certain situations. He expressed to them that they needed to remove worry BEFOREHAND. There’s a great lesson to be learned here about decision making and preparation.
If you wait until you need to make a decision to make that decision, it may not be the best decision, because you’ll make choices based on emotions and feelings.
As a young adult, I would often decide on what to have for dinner right before I ate. The choices were often based off of how I was feeling, which was usually tired from the long day. Whatever was easiest and quickest would typically fit the bill. Unfortunately, my health and waistline suffered because it would most likely be fast food or something easily microwaveable.
As I grew older and realized that I needed to eat better, I’d sit down on Sundays and plan out my meals for the week and go grocery shopping. In essence, I would make up my mind beforehand. The added benefit? It was much healthier for me!
When it comes to our physical or spiritual health, food or our faith, it would be wise to make decisions beforehand. Decisions based on truth, instead of emotions and feelings.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord when I have chosen poorly. Thank You Lord that You will give us Your wisdom. May I decide beforehand and lean on You to guide me, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
