"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," 1 Peter 3:15
It was clear as I entered our local Wal-Mart yesterday afternoon that not everyone was preparing for the forecasted ice storm in the same way. While I got ready by getting in a long run before the anticipated weather made it impossible, many others were preparing by stocking up on essentials as the bare shelves that once held cases of water and loaves of bread clearly illustrated. It's certainly not that I was taking the weather threat lightly, it's just that my family and I stay prepared for situations like this. When you live in the country, it's just something you do.
And when it comes to being prepared, the Bible tells us that we should always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have. Becoming ready to do this though must start well before the question is ever asked. It must start by knowing the Person we are talking about, having established a deep relationship with Him from studying the Word faithfully. You see, it's only by knowing God and about the hope that was given to us through Christ's sacrifice that we can share it with others- that blessed hope that lies in the knowledge of this... Jesus died to save us from our sins, rose from the dead to defeat death for all time and promised all believers eternal life with Him.
And remember, just like it is when encountering a storm, if you're not prepared beforehand you won't be ready. And, in this case, you might just miss the only chance you have at leading someone else to search out this same cause of hope for themselves.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that gives us the knowledge we need to be ready to defend and share our faith with others. Help us to get prepared and stay prepared at all times that we might be a beacon to others and lead them to you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org
My hope is in You - Aaron Schust
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