No Defense

Have you ever found yourself in need of a defense and you were not prepared?

This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. - Luke 21:13-15

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that there will be a time when they are called to task for their faith, and that time will be brutal.

He tells them not to prepare their defense ahead of time.  He will give them the words they will need to speak.

There are times when I find myself searching for the right words.  I don't always have an answer for someone who is suffering or facing difficult times.

It is in those moments that I simply reach out to God for help and guidance, and it is always there.  The words come, along with the silence to listen and be ready for whatever comes my way.

So, I guess if I am facing a time of trial, when my butt is on the line, I could and should do the same, wait on Him for His words, His help.

Can I do that?  Can I go before the judge and jury of life without being prepared?

I am sure I would be advised against it.  People who care about me would see it as a stupid decision, not relying on the experts to help me.  But what better expert than God?

I guess that's the message here.  How much faith in God do we have?  And are we willing to put it all into His hands when we are in danger?

Another way to look at it is why aren't we?  If we are not willing to lay it all before God and let Him guide us, how much faith do we truly have?

So, perhaps we should pray for strength in our faith.  We should also pray that we will not find ourselves in the time of trial without God.

We do that every time we pray the Lord's Prayer, so that may be a good place to start.

Our Father, who art in heaven...

More to come...