"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's my belief that only by walking closely in friendship with someone will they ever desire change. Most of the people I come in contact with have not only heard of Jesus, but they probably know a handful of Bible stories as well. The "Good News" is always good, but for most Americans, it isn't new. The Great Commission must become coarsely strategic. "Repent or Go to Hell" is literally what happens- but who'd ever embrace a Gospel so harsh? No one.
In 1 Peter it tells us to "always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks for the hope that you have."
In my head I'm like, "That's great! I'm prepared. I've got my answer all ready, actually. Just like in Sunday school, the answer is always...... Jesus! Duh." Jesus is the reason I'm full of hope even if I get two parking tickets in one day. Jesus is the reason I keep pursuing my passions even when the world slaps a "NO" in my face.
But what if nobody asks?
People don't usually ask unless they are surprised. No one is going to question my hope or joy unless I'm displaying it under circumstances where that would not be common.
In a nutshell, we must go through times of struggle in order to spread the gospel. Being passionate about the Great Commission means embracing pain. Nobody is going to be curious about the hope we have, unless we still have it when things aren't going well. They are going to notice something different in us when we can still proudly claim "the joy of the Lord is my strength" under adversity. So take heart when life is crummy. Be excited that God is still working, even while you feel useless. People are always watching you. When they see you smile though the clouds are dark ahead; then, and only then, will they ask.
People don't usually ask unless they are surprised. No one is going to question my hope or joy unless I'm displaying it under circumstances where that would not be common.
In a nutshell, we must go through times of struggle in order to spread the gospel. Being passionate about the Great Commission means embracing pain. Nobody is going to be curious about the hope we have, unless we still have it when things aren't going well. They are going to notice something different in us when we can still proudly claim "the joy of the Lord is my strength" under adversity. So take heart when life is crummy. Be excited that God is still working, even while you feel useless. People are always watching you. When they see you smile though the clouds are dark ahead; then, and only then, will they ask.
