Luke chapter 21 verses 12-15 (NIV)
“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
It’s human nature to worry over certain things. Jesus often spoke about the impact worry has on our lives. In this passage He tells His disciples that they will be persecuted and tried, but they should make up their minds not to worry about what will happen to them. In other words, to make a choice not to worry and trust that as Jesus said, Hew would give them the wisdom about how to face their situations.
It’s a lesson Jesus wants us to learn too. We can also make a choice as to whether to allow ourselves to dwell on our circumstances and worry about how things will work out, or choose to trust that we too will be given what we need to face what lies ahead of us. Giving the matter over to Jesus and letting Him direct us through it certainly takes the weight off our shoulders, doesn’t it?
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You don’t intend us to get worried and upset about the difficult or hard times we may face. Help me therefore to do as You instruct, and make up my mind not to worry about what lies ahead, but rather to trust Your leading. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.