In September 2024, I traveled to Malawi, Africa to grow our ministry partnership with Jesus Power Ministries and Bishop John Chirwa. In my first trip in 2023, I was introduced to a few villages, and the amazing ministry God is doing through Jesus Power Ministries in all parts of Malawi. On this second trip, we expanded our reach with a Christian Ashram in the Southern Region, a ministry leader training in the Central Region, and preaching and teaching in different villages. The power of the Holy Spirit was evident in each place we visited.
In Mwanza, nearly 100 leaders from different churches and denominations gathered for a two-day leadership conference. I was aware I would be teaching during this time but had not been given time parameters. When we arrived, I discovered I would be teaching for about five hours each day in two different sessions. I had prepared, but I would have to admit I did not know I would be speaking for such a length of time.
I made the decision to begin our leadership conference with my asking the group about their ministry and what questions they would like to discuss in our time together. I was amazed with the breadth of questions and the true desire of each participant to learn on a variety of personal and ministry topics.
As I began to look over the questions, the Holy Spirit brought back to my mind presentations I had previously shared in other ministry contexts. The Holy Spirit also gave me insight on what questions to ask to keep the group engaged in the conversation. When one of the participants sought to overtake the presentation with his own desire to usurp what I was teaching, the Holy Spirit gave me insight of how to diffuse the situation, while showing why the man’s insight was misguided for the particular contexts we were considering.
In Luke 12:11-12 we read, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Though I was not having to defend myself in the presence of rulers and authorities, I experienced the Holy Spirit giving me the words to say at just the right time. In conversation with my host and his wife he asked me how I was able to prepare for each of these questions, though I had only received them when we arrived at the venue. I shared how the Holy Spirit was reminding me of Bible Studies, Sermons, and Presentations I had previously shared and those words were readily available in my heart and mind.
I am grateful to the Holy Spirit who reminded me how much of what I do in ministry is through the power of the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of the Lord’s promise in Isaiah 55:11, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” God used me as a spokesperson as I surrendered to His Will for the leadership conference and the leaders shared how much they learned and how encouraged they were as we wrapped up the conference.
How are you surrendering your life in a way that the Holy Spirit can give you the words to speak at just the right time? How often do you shy away from opportunities to be bold in your witness because you are worried you won’t know what to say? My witness and experience are that God provides the words that are necessary as I listen to His still small voice.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the words I need at just the right time. When I am concerned about what to say, remind me that you are always there to give me the words to speak. Guide me in my obedience to your calling and share the testimony of your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.