Read Book I Peter 3:13-15
“Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord… (V14v-15a)
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord… (V14v-15a)
Some Thoughts…
What am I really afraid of? The opinions of people, momentary pain, failure, loss of money and creature comforts…the unknown…
Peter is calling believers to join in the sufferings of Christ… To become so identified with Jesus that His battle for souls becomes ours…and part of that is enduring suffering from those who don’t understand or are fearful of the truth of the Gospel…following Jesus is a fearful thing. It seems to promise frustrating situations (see Psalm 34:17-22), but if we can make an internal “heart” choice to see Jesus as He is; the Lord of ALL – then life can be managed outside of fear. Instead of being directed by the fear or an uncertain outcome, faith and hope in Christ can take the “what ifs” out of the way and replace them with “what is God doing and how can I worship Him through the pain?”
For it is that kind of fearless confidence that makes people give a double-take…to stop and ask why you are so sure when things seem so unsure; how can you smile in the middle of so much pain? And if by some miracle of God I am able to see Christ “set apart” – made Holy as God and King of every moment…when that rare questions comes – “How do you do it?” or, “How do you cope so well?” or, why so calm?” When my eyes are locked on Jesus…as the One I’ve set up in my inner-most thoughts and emotions as the ONE who heals, saves, creates, and corrects and protects…I’m ready to answer…It is easy to pass the pop quizzes of life when you are staring at the answer…
I possess HOPE in Christ!
(So, I must live like it…full of humble confidence and not in fearful frustrations.)
A Prayer…
Father, the next time You test me with a negative circumstance, may I be so centered in Christ that I pass the test without a second thought. But when I fail again, help me look quickly into the face of the ONE who calms my fears and set my feet upon the Rock. Amen
May I live today in a way that would cause someone to stop and wonder about my faith in Christ.