“For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” — Luke 12:12

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On Sept. 27, 2008, the No. 4-ranked Florida Gators — led by 2007 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow — had just suffered a stunning loss to 2-2 Ole Miss at home, 31-30. A season that began with championship expectations was now hanging by a thread.

After the game, a devastated Tebow walked into his postgame press conference, approached the mic and answered a few questions. Then he paused, gathered himself for a moment and delivered what will forever be remembered as the “Promise Speech.” First, he apologized to the fans. Then, he promised to play harder than any player ever has and to hold his teammates accountable to do the same. Then he walked out with the words, “God bless.”

Inspired by Tebow’s words, Florida would go on to dominate for the rest of the season, earn a spot in the national championship game, and win the program’s third title.

Not planned, not rehearsed. Simply spoken from the heart. And they were the exact words that Tebow’s teammates, and Gator fans, needed to hear. The “Promise Speech” illustrates a Biblical concept about how we are to trust the Holy Spirit to lead us in situations where we may not know what to say, all so that He is glorified.

In Luke 12, Jesus is calling His followers not to be afraid to publicly acknowledge Him and His lordship. This was a much more frightening scenario in those days, because Christians were often tortured and killed for their beliefs. And amid such fear, standing before authorities ready to persecute them, Jesus told His people to boldly declare His name. Why? “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:12).

In 21st-century American culture, you and I won’t likely face the threat of death or torture if we talk about Christ, but we might face awkwardness, a few insults and a stereotyped reputation. If Jesus called the people of His day not to let fear of death keep them from acknowledging Him, how much more are we to do so?

You might not know what to say. You might not know how to say it. You might be intimidated by the rhetoric of your atheist friend. None of that should matter. Step out and speak up, in obedience to Christ, about the all-surpassing joy of knowing and being known by the Lord of the universe. And in that moment, the Holy Spirit will be at work inside you, giving you the words to “fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel.”

This doesn’t mean you should wing it. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for circumstances where you may need to take a stand for Christ. But it does mean the Holy Spirit is with you always, even when it’s hard, holding your hand through life and perfectly accomplishing all He wills.

— Kevin Mercer

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