Led Beyond Your Limits
11/24/2025
“For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
— Matthew 10:20 (NIV)
Earlier this year, I sat in a hospital waiting room next to a woman who was visibly nervous. I didn’t know her, didn’t know her story, and honestly didn’t feel like striking up a conversation. I was tired. Mentally drained. Not in “pastor mode.” I just wanted to sit quietly with my family as we waited for news about my mother-in-law.
But something in me kept nudging: Say something. Ask her if she’s okay.
And I pushed back internally: Lord, I don’t have the right words today. I’m empty.
Then, I glanced over to my wife, she smiled and nodded, affirming what I knew I had to do. So, I gave in and said a simple, “Excuse me, I don’t mean to disturb you, but… you doing ok?”
She looked at me, and without warning, everything inside her broke open. Fear. Exhaustion. Loneliness. Her husband was in surgery…..again, third one this week. She didn’t know if he was going to make it.
And in that moment—when she needed comfort, strength, and reassurance—I felt the strangest sense of peace wash over me. Not because I suddenly knew what to say…but because I suddenly didn’t have to.
Words came that weren’t rehearsed. Encouragement I wasn’t planning to offer. Scripture I hadn’t memorized for that situation. A prayer that felt like it bypassed my mind and came straight from somewhere deeper.
When I finished, I noticed her breathing was steady, she looked different, calmer than before, then it hit me:
The Holy Spirit didn’t need me to be brilliant, just willing.
That’s what Jesus promised.
When you stand in moments that feel too heavy…
When someone asks for help you don’t know how to give…
When you step into conversations that exceed your wisdom…It will not be you speaking.
God knows your limits.
But He also knows His own power. And He delights in meeting people through you, not because you’re strong, but because you’re surrendered.
Action Steps
• Before you speak into anything meaningful today, pause and pray: “Spirit of the Father, speak through me.”
• Notice the places where you usually feel inadequate, these are often where God speaks most powerfully.
• Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Step in, and trust the Spirit to fill the gap.
Today’s Challenge
Say yes to one Spirit-prompted conversation today, even if you feel underqualified.
Prayer
Father, thank You that I never have to rely on my own strength or wisdom. Holy Spirit, speak through me today, guide my words, soften my heart, and let Your presence be what others truly encounter. Make me sensitive to Your voice and bold enough to trust it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
— Matthew 10:20 (NIV)
Earlier this year, I sat in a hospital waiting room next to a woman who was visibly nervous. I didn’t know her, didn’t know her story, and honestly didn’t feel like striking up a conversation. I was tired. Mentally drained. Not in “pastor mode.” I just wanted to sit quietly with my family as we waited for news about my mother-in-law.
But something in me kept nudging: Say something. Ask her if she’s okay.
And I pushed back internally: Lord, I don’t have the right words today. I’m empty.
Then, I glanced over to my wife, she smiled and nodded, affirming what I knew I had to do. So, I gave in and said a simple, “Excuse me, I don’t mean to disturb you, but… you doing ok?”
She looked at me, and without warning, everything inside her broke open. Fear. Exhaustion. Loneliness. Her husband was in surgery…..again, third one this week. She didn’t know if he was going to make it.
And in that moment—when she needed comfort, strength, and reassurance—I felt the strangest sense of peace wash over me. Not because I suddenly knew what to say…but because I suddenly didn’t have to.
Words came that weren’t rehearsed. Encouragement I wasn’t planning to offer. Scripture I hadn’t memorized for that situation. A prayer that felt like it bypassed my mind and came straight from somewhere deeper.
When I finished, I noticed her breathing was steady, she looked different, calmer than before, then it hit me:
The Holy Spirit didn’t need me to be brilliant, just willing.
That’s what Jesus promised.
When you stand in moments that feel too heavy…
When someone asks for help you don’t know how to give…
When you step into conversations that exceed your wisdom…It will not be you speaking.
God knows your limits.
But He also knows His own power. And He delights in meeting people through you, not because you’re strong, but because you’re surrendered.
Action Steps
• Before you speak into anything meaningful today, pause and pray: “Spirit of the Father, speak through me.”
• Notice the places where you usually feel inadequate, these are often where God speaks most powerfully.
• Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Step in, and trust the Spirit to fill the gap.
Today’s Challenge
Say yes to one Spirit-prompted conversation today, even if you feel underqualified.
Prayer
Father, thank You that I never have to rely on my own strength or wisdom. Holy Spirit, speak through me today, guide my words, soften my heart, and let Your presence be what others truly encounter. Make me sensitive to Your voice and bold enough to trust it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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