Come & See: 10 Cowboy Devotions to Strengthen Your Ride With ChristSample

A Loss for Words

“Watch your backs with men. They will hand you over to the local sheriffs and beat you within an inch of your life, right there in the churches. Because of Me, you will be taken before governors, presidents, and later, even to those who aren’t Jews, so that you can tell them about who I am. Don’t fret about what you’re supposed to say when they arrest you though. When the time comes, I’ll give you the words that you’ll need. It won’t be you that’ll be talkin’ at ’em, it’ll be the Spirit of God speakin’ through you.” Matthew 10:17–20

How many times have you wondered what to say in a situation? We plan, ponder, and wonder if we will have the right words. There are books, sermons, and podcasts galore about how to tell someone about Christ.

But Jesus tells us that this is all in vain. Sure, we should grow in our knowledge and hone our abilities, but when it comes time for the nut-cuttin’, we don’t have anything to fear. The Spirit of God, who lives in all believers, will do the talkin’ for us. All you have to do is believe and then give Him the reins.

Go out in faith and don’t be afraid to open your mouth a little or a lot (unless you’re chewin’ food). Trust that God is going to give you the words He wants you to speak. And don’t be surprised if He asks you not to say anything . . . silence is oftentimes the most powerful. If it ain’t from God, don’t say it.

But that's not all, at all.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if someone said, “Deny Jesus, or I’ll cut your head off!?" How would you respond—really? There’s not a lot of things scarier than that. Actually, if I’m honest, I’m a little scared of that situation. Because I know how I want to respond, but actually doing it is another matter entirely.

But this is where I find my peace: if God is willing to give us words, wouldn’t He give us the courage we need to match them? Well, of course, He would! I think we sell God off so cheaply. In other words, we limit Him. He’s going to give us everything we need. If you don’t have it, you don’t need it.

Cowboy Call:

What have you been fretting about? What is it in your life that is stealing your peace? Start believing that God has already given you all that you need, and if you do end up needing more, you can trust that God will provide it.