1 Peter 3:14-16 BE PREPARED TO GIVE THE REASON OF HOPE

S – 1 Peter 3:14-16 But even if you should suffer for what is right you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

O - Blessed if you suffer for what is right. Be prepared to answer the reason for the hope.

A – What stands out to me in this passage is that we are to be His witness at all times - whether in hardships and suffering or happy and joyful events in our life. When we undergo suffering, the people around us tend to notice how we handle the situation. When they see that we are joyful in spite of our circumstances and wait patiently upon the Lord, then His name is glorified and we become a witness to them. This in turn can lead another to Christ. My hope is not set on a series of circumstances in this temporary home, Earth. But my hope is set on the Lord Jesus Jesus Christ who is my savior and my eternal life with Him. Nothing or No one should shake me away from this hope. “Always be prepared” in the verse point out that we should be ready to share the gospel with any person who seeks to understand the peace and hope we have in the Lord.

P – Abba Father, Enable me to stand as a witness for you in all walks of my life. I might not know the answer to what might be happening but I will continue to trust in you and wait patiently upon you. Enable me to share the hope I have in you with many others. Give me the right words and action for this. Bless me to do this with a lot of love so as to convince them and lead them to you. I submit my weakness to you and seek to operate on your strength alone. I realize that without you I am nothing.

Amen 

This passage reminds me of a sister at my church who underwent the worst trauma of her life. Her life is dedicated to the Lord and sharing the good news to others. No one could understand why this happened to her!! But she chose to be at peace, trusting the Lord and not wasting one opportunity to share the gospel with others. May the Lord enable us all to stand strong just like this sister did!