How can we rely on God's wisdom when facing opposition, as in Luke 21:15? Setting the scene in Luke 21 Jesus speaks of future trials for His followers—arrests, betrayals, public questioning. Right in the middle of that sobering forecast He promises: “For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” (Luke 21:15) What the promise means • Divine provision, not self-reliance • Wisdom tailored for the moment, not canned answers • God’s honor at stake, so He guarantees effectiveness Biblical snapshots of this promise in action • Moses before Pharaoh—God supplies words (Exodus 4:12) • Daniel before Babylonian kings—“an excellent spirit and knowledge” distinguish him (Daniel 5:12) • Stephen before the Sanhedrin—“they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke” (Acts 6:10) • Paul before Festus and Agrippa—clear, fearless testimony (Acts 26) Why we can count on God’s wisdom 1. His character: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6) 2. His invitation: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” (James 1:5) 3. His indwelling Spirit: “We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12) Practical ways to rely on that wisdom when opposition shows up • Stay saturated in Scripture—God often brings recalled verses to mind exactly when needed (John 14:26). • Pray in the moment—quick, silent cries for help sharpen focus and calm fear (Nehemiah 2:4). • Listen before speaking—let the Spirit frame the response rather than rushing in (Proverbs 18:13). • Speak truth plainly—clarity beats cleverness; the promise is for “speech and wisdom,” not sophistry (Matthew 5:37). • Keep a Christ-centered attitude—gentleness and respect showcase the gospel even in heated settings (1 Peter 3:15-16). • Trust the outcome—God’s wisdom accomplishes His purposes whether or not the crowd applauds (Isaiah 55:11). Encouragement for today Opposition may feel overwhelming, but our weapons “have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). The same Lord who spoke Luke 21:15 stands ready to put His words in our mouths. Step forward, confident that heaven’s wisdom will meet earth’s resistance—and prevail. |
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