“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. ” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

Frank, was as usual, standing against the corral gate when I went out to feed and clean.  As I opened the gate, I asked him to step back, so that I could get myself and the cleaning toboggan through. He complied.  He stepped back, but just as I hefted the toboggan clear of the gate so that I could close it, Frank saw his opportunity and, in a heartbeat, lunged through the opening.  I had to laugh, as it seemed pretty obvious that he had been prepared and was just waiting for the right moment to get out for a good gallop.  As we are fenced and gated, this was not a problem and I knew he would come back into the corral as soon as he saw his hay being forked into the tub.

This incident was not only humorous to me but also sobering as I recalled todays verse from Peter in regards to always being prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have.  Our hope of eternity with Christ, our hope of God with us daily.  Our hope of forgiveness of sins and peace amidst conflict and uncertainty.  God desires that we be ready to share this hope with others, as opportunity presents itself.  Peter does not say, be prepared to shove your spiritual views down everyone’s throat who doesn’t believe as you do.  He doesn’t say, trap people into hearing what we have to say.  He doesn’t say go out into the streets and tell everyone passing by about your hope.  He simple states: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  

So, the question for us today is, am I prepared?  Are you?  Have we given the reason for the hope that we have within us, enough thought that we could quickly, concisely, respectfully and lovingly share it with our friends, family, neighbours or co-workers if and when they should ask?  And if we haven’t what are we going to do about?

Prayer:  Father God, thank You for the reason for the hope that we have: Jesus Christ.  Enable us to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give them the reason for that hope.  And open the hearts and minds of those who need You, to be willing to ask us, for that reason.  In Christ’s name we pray.  Amen.

Lynne Phipps