Living as a follower of Jesus and sharing the good news of his gospel in a hostile world is often very challenging. But it is often in these challenges that the unwavering promises, presence, and power of God become most evident. When we obediently proclaim the gospel, even in the face of adversity, we do not stand alone. God promises His unfailing presence and provision to strengthen and equip us for the work he sets before us – and the grace to do that work.
God repeatedly assures us He will provide the words and courage needed to proclaim the gospel message amidst adversity. For example:
- Matthew 10:19 – 20 (“When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you”)
Glenn Penner observes:
“Believers around the world illustrate the truth of these verses as they testify how God gave them exactly the words to say when suffering for His sake . . . . In their hour of need, God promises to provide the help that the disciples of Jesus require to remain faithful witnesses.”
- Matthew 10:26 – 27 (“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops”).
Penner notes further:
“As sheep are sent out to the wolves, it is imperative that [the disciples] understand why they are going: they go to bear witness to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. They do not go in order to survive. Indeed, they may not survive, but survival is not the critical concern. They go to bear witness. God’s messengers cannot be silent. They can only be silenced. . . . It is interesting to note that all references to witness or witnessing in the book of Acts are public (1:8; 1:22; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39,41,43; 13:31; 14:3; 15:8; 16:2; 20:26; 22:15,18,20; 23:11; 26:16,22).”
When our faith is anchored in God’s promises, presence, and power, the darkest of circumstances can be illuminated with hope and resilience. His assurances of love, protection, and ultimate deliverance resonate as beacons of hope, infusing the spirit with endurance.
Josef Ton beautifully summarizes the relationship between God’s enabling grace and our responsibility as believers:
[M]an has not been called to earn his place and rank in heaven. It is God who has predestined him for a specific place and rank. God has redeemed that individual and has given him the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit, then, who produces Christlikeness (2 Cor. 3:18) and a godly character (the fruit of the Spirit) in him. God’s enabling grace makes one capable to do the good works that God has prepared for him to do. Meanwhile, God, in his goodness and generosity, has determined to give all his possessions to his children. Due to all these divine investments, the possibility of merit is utterly excluded, leaving no reasons whatsoever for us to boast. At the same time, however, all the things that the Holy Spirit is said to be doing in a person are also that person’s own responsibility and obligation. In this way, the activity of God and the responsibility of man go hand in hand throughout the entire training process.
When we suffer for our faith, we are not alone in our suffering. God is with us every step of the way. He will speak through us, providing us the words we need in the moment they are needed. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7. We are called to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ boldly and faithfully, without reservation. God promises the power, love, and self-discipline necessary to do so.
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