But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify [set apart] Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.
~1 Peter 3:14-15 [bracketed notes mine]
Sweet friend, I know you feel it. The growing chasm between light and dark, good and evil. Is this indicating the “labor pains” of end times? Maybe. Maybe not. Every generation since the first-century Christians have had the same thought: “Wow, things in this world can’t possibly get any worse or more evil than they are now! Surely the Lord is coming back any minute!” The Word is clear, though, that only God knows the time…so we can’t lay hold of any of those rampant predictions. What we all should be doing, however, is living every day as if His return is imminent!
That’s why Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:14-15 seem to speak extra loudly for today. As followers of Jesus Christ, we will suffer for His sake…but we don’t have to worry or fear—He has overcome the world, and we’re living in His victory (John 16:33)! Oh, but Peter makes it very, very clear as to how we can live fearlessly in this dark world with an enemy that hates us. First, we must “sanctify Christ as Lord”. In other words, live in full submission to Him, loving and obeying His will for us. (And what’s “His will”? Get into His Word, and you’ll know!) Next, Peter exhorts us to be ready to explain our hope in Jesus—to give a defense when confronted in either curiosity or vitriol.
So, let me ask: Are you ready to give your account? Can you articulate what you believe—and why you’re a follower of Jesus?
Your story matters! Standing firm on the Gospel (Jesus’ victory) and your testimony not only gives us confidence in this dark world (per Peter’s letter), but this is how we overcome Satan (Rev 12:10-11). Sometimes, we can sit and have a long conversation with someone about our faith in Jesus. Other times, we only get a few seconds to give account. So, no matter how long you’ve been a believer, let me encourage you to do a little exercise to prepare a 20-second testimony. There are three simple steps:
- “There was a time in my life when…” or “Before I surrendered my life to Christ…” Here, think of how you’d describe your life then. Consider your values, attitudes, idols, actions. Sum this up in a few words.
- “Then I surrendered my life to Jesus…” Share how you became aware of your need for the Gospel—what the circumstances were when you accepted Jesus’ gift of grace.
- “Now that I have a relationship with Jesus…” or “Since then…” Describe the Great Exchange that happened for you. State your attitudes, beliefs, and actions now, especially as compared to before Christ. (We’re not saying here that after salvation life is rainbows and lollipops—it’s not. The Christian walk is hard…but we’re expressing our personal transformation and trust in the Lord as we walk toward Home.)
As an example, mine might go something like this: “I was lost and grasping for hope and satisfaction in the things of this world, trying so hard to do and be “good enough”, but drowning in my failures. But God revealed His grace to me through Jesus, pulling me out of the darkness to forgive and free me. Now, I am a new person! I live in the light His love, mercy, and grace, shining His light to glorify Him no matter my circumstances.”
Be ready, beloved! Know your why. Equip yourself with your story. It holds the power to keep you fearless in the face of worldly intimidation, overcome the enemy, and bring others to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Heavenly Father, this world is so, so dark, and evil seems to be ramping up. Lord, give me the courage and boldness to speak the Truth of the Gospel, knowing YOUR WORD (the Bible) and MY WORD (testimony).
encouraged by grace 