I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

God puts us in challenging situations to trust in him and build our faith. Sometimes the situation may seem to be more than we can bear. But he gives his disciples a promise here and he gives us a promise, as well.

He say: “Do not worry about what you will say or how to say it”, when you are brought up against trails, flogged or imprisoned in my name. Why? Because God’s Spirit will take over. He will give us the right words to say and the right ways to say these words

He says we are to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. I take this to mean we should plan ahead, be prepared for challenge and persecution, and approach it as much as possible with a strategy that prioritizes salvation first over our own desires.

“Sheep among wolves.” This is a challenging calling. We will feel inadequate because we are sheep. But if we invite the Good Shepherd to be by our side, and we act in honor of him, we have nothing to fear. The Good Shepherd wins against the wolves every time.

Lord, go with me and help me to trust you to take over when I don’t always know what to say and how to say it. Go before me. Go behind me. Be all around me. Take over and speak through me. May I act in ways that honor you!