Holy Spirit Guides—Daily Fellowship Prepares

“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11-12   

“The Holy Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them most... In times of trial or when we face opposition for our faith, we can trust that God will guide our speech through His Spirit.” Billy Graham

I often feel completely unqualified when it comes to speaking up, defending the faith, or even just being a faithful witness. Just this past week it happened twice, and over the last month I’ve lost count of the times I’ve thought, “Lord, I have no idea what to say here.” My words feel inadequate, my thoughts scattered.

But that’s exactly when trust steps in. When I obey, step forward anyway, and lean on the Holy Spirit—it always turns out far better than if I’d tried to script it myself.

This doesn’t mean we float through life unprepared. Preparation isn’t about rehearsing clever arguments or memorizing comebacks. It’s about cultivating a deep, daily fellowship with Jesus. What comes out in those pressure moments is simply overflow from the secret place.

Here’s a real example from last week: At the mayor’s prayer breakfast, the MC walked over to my table and asked me—on the spot—to give the invocation prayer in front of 400 local and national leaders. I said yes. What I shared wasn’t something I’d practiced for days. It was a Bible verse, a short quote, and a heartfelt prayer that came straight from my time with the Lord that very morning. I trusted Him to give me what to say, because I’d already been with Him.

That’s the battle plan: Prepare in the secret place, then trust the Holy Spirit in the public place.

So let’s do that today. Sit at Jesus’ feet. Let His Word dwell richly in us. Fill our hearts with His presence. Then, when the moment comes—whether it’s a casual conversation, a tough question, or standing before rulers and authorities—we can rest in the promise: The Holy Spirit will teach us exactly what to say, right when we need it.

Have a great day trusting Him to speak through you!