September 29, 2023
Author: Pastor David Miner
September 29, 2023
Reading: 1 Samuel 11 Optional Reading: Samuel 9, 10, 12
“6When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger.” (1 Samuel 11:6 NIV)
I had returned home from my freshman year at Westmont College. My home church asked me to share my experiences in church and how my faith helped me through the challenges of the year. I felt terribly afraid. On the upcoming Sunday worship service, I would have to give testimony for more than 200 people. These are people who have watched me grow up from the first grade. I tried to think of what I might say and how I might give a truthful accounting. I was not a public speaker and telling a crowd of my life scared me to death. Speaking in front of crowds, any crowd, is still scary to me.
I spoke with my parents about the upcoming testimony and my fear. My dad shared with me a passage in Matthew 10 that talks about God’s Spirit. “Don’t worry about what to say in your defense, because you will be given the right words at the right time. For it won’t be you doing the talking – it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you” (vv. 19, 20). “Don’t worry or be afraid,” my dad said. “God will give you the words and the power.” When I finally stood up to speak, I shook at first and could feel my voice crack. But then the nervousness left me and talked like a pro for the next ten minutes.
The Spirit also worked on a young man named Saul many centuries ago. God gave him spiritual power to lead the people of Israel. In your life, God will give you many tasks. Often you will find yourself in situations where you feel afraid. Do not worry. God will give you the power you need right when you need it. Trust him, and all will be well.
Father, I know your power is great. Help me to trust you. Amen.
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