The Questions Will Come
“Honor Christ, and let him be Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.” (1 Peter 3:15)
When you live your life for Christ, others will notice. Many won’t say much, if anything. Eventually, though, someone will say something. They may not specifically use the word “hope,” but the asking will likely still be obvious.
“Why are you always so positive?”
“Why doesn’t anything get you down?”
“Why are you always so nice?”
Why do you help others so much?”
When the ask comes, you can bring in the word hope. You can tell them that Jesus changed your life and gave you hope.
Some won’t know what to say. They’ll likely feel awkward, and so will you. One of you might change the subject. At some point, though, someone will want to go further with the discussion. They’ll want to know why you believe the Bible and why the Gospel directs your life.
Are You Ready?
I trust the Holy Spirit to give me the words to say when I need to say them (Luke 12:12). I also know God wants us to prepare, learn, and grow.
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.” (Proverbs 23:12)
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3)
I’ve also learned through many mistakes that considering ahead of time what to say helps me tremendously in being confident when the time comes. Three words come to mind that reflect this process in my life.
1. Examination
This involves time spent reading the Bible and in prayer with the goal of getting to know God more and more.
2. Evidence
As I learn more about evidence in areas such as science, archeology, and history, my faith grows stronger. Fulfilled prophecy alone is a tremendous boost of faith.
3. Experience
Remembering is emphasized throughout the Bible to teach us to acknowledge what God has done in our lives. We don’t want to dwell on our past, but we do want to praise him for how he’s transformed, protected, and redeemed us.
Regular Review
When I think about these three words and place my own spiritual walk within their structure, I find myself more ready to talk about my hope. This is still something I need to review regularly simply because I am, hopefully, still growing and learning.
