There is a measure of apprehension that greets me whenever I approach a clearing officer at the immigration desk of any of America’s airports. This is due to stories that I have been inundated with, of how people with valid visas were refused entry. I will not like to fly thousands of kilometres at some great cost only to be turned back from the airport. So in addition to having my papers handy, I would normally say some prayers under my breath. I also rehearse some probable questions and how to respond appropriately. On one occasion, I turned in my passport and that of my wife to the officer who perused each page. “What’s your reason for coming to the US?” he demanded. I had a well rehearsed answer for this. “To visit a family friend” I replied.  “And what do you do for a living?” he further probed. “A publisher and a preacher” I submitted. Not done, he asked, “What kind of gospel do you preach?” This last question caught me off-guard. However, instantly from nowhere I said, “Full Gospel”. He nodded approvingly as if he knew what that meant and stamped us in. I bet you I never rehearsed that, neither did I at that moment understand the meaning of what I said.

Do you realize that many of the responses that Jesus gave to His traducers were never premeditated? Though He did not know what His accusers would come up with, He always responded appropriately, to their shame. That was because He fully operated in the wisdom of the Spirit that was given Him without measure. In life, you will find yourself in many impromptu situations. It is in moments like this that the words of Jesus should ring out loud and clear: He says at such moments, a mouth and wisdom will be given us, tailor-made to fit the occasion. If you rely on wisdom from above you can never be stranded or confused. Be fully conscious that the Spirit that helped Jesus to say the right thing to the right people at the right time is living in you.