In this letter to believers, Peter talked about the persecution they were experiencing and that would come. Then he said this remarkable thing:
WHEN someone asks about this hope in you, always BE READY to explain it.
So the question begs, WHY would someone ask about hope in believers?
I think it’s because of the life believers live. If we are living as the world does, filled with the fear, stress, and angst just like the rest of our culture, we’re unnoticeable. We’re just another face in the crowd.
If we are living WITHOUT the fear, stress, and angst that the rest of the world exhibits, we become quite noticeable. It’s like a spotlight is shining down on us. We’re different. We’re weird, and people want to know why we would be that way.
Mind you, not everyone will ask. Many will see our weirdness and walk away shaking their heads with no understanding or desire to understand.
Those who do ask, though, deserve an answer. They need an answer, and they need a good one.
As believers with hope, we can face death, torture, sickness, anger, fears of all sorts with a heart that is not weighed down because we know that our Savior reigns over all and protects us from destruction. Does that mean we won’t ever suffer?
No. It does not mean we will never suffer. As a matter of fact, we are told by Jesus that we WILL suffer. We won’t be destroyed. It may hurt for a time, but when we leave this part of our life, we enter into the part of our lives where we see Jesus and live in His presence.
That’s part of our hope: realizing that the life we live here is only a tiny part of our real life. With this truth resting deep within us, it’s easier to let go of this life to fully live our whole life.
So, how do you explain that? How do you answer someone who asks why you’re not afraid of what’s going on around you? How can you be so happy? How can you be so peaceful? It’s insane out there!
Explain your relationship with Jesus. Talk about how with Him you’ll never die, only pass from this place of life to the rest of your life in eternity. Reveal to them that your days on earth are numbered and only when that number has come to pass will you leave here. In those truths are peace. Resting on the promises of God is sanity, courage, and abundant life.
Maybe you’re in the unnoticeable place, you feel the stress, fear, and angst of all that is happening around us. God invites you today to turn to Him and learn Him completely (notice I didn’t say learn ABOUT Him) to escape.
If you’re becoming noticeable, it’s time to practice your responses to questions about your weirdness. Know what you believe. Know why you believe it. This is a test you can study for and see excellent results.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
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