Hope’s Testimony

    Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15b).

    Remember cramming (studying) for an exam, trying to somehow embed your resistant memory with all those details written in the textbook or recorded in your class notes? You knew that if you didn’t have a grasp on most of the material, you’d get a less than desirable test score, or perhaps even a failing grade.

An opportunity, not a test
    Peter isn’t talking about a test when says, “Always be prepared to give an answer.” He’s talking about an opportunity! A God-given one! The Lord brings into your presence, or opens a door to people who don’t know the hope you have in Jesus!
    When your unbelieving neighbors or friends see you living for Christ, they may wonder, “What accounts for this obvious joy?” “Where does this generosity of patience and love come from?” “Why are you so filled with hope?” That’s opportunity!

Good news for everyone
    The verse for our devotion addresses the subject of witnessing! Of evangelizing! Of sharing the Good News that has delivered a sure and certain hope to you.  But it is meant for everyone! And the apostle says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
    Are you prepared to do so? You may be more prepared than you think! You know what Jesus has done for you. You know why he died on the cross. You know the meaning of his resurrection. You know that eternal life is already yours by faith in him. You know that he is coming again to judge the living and the dead. You know that those who die in Christ are blessed. And that means you also know that those who die without Jesus have no hope.

Compelled by Christ’s love
    Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians, “We believe and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13). Christian hope needs to find expression. The questions of our unbelieving friends need answering. The love of Christ compels us to share our hope. They must hear about Jesus!

Prayer
Lord, use me to share my hope in you. Amen.

Source: http://wels.net/dev-daily/20151107/