“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Did you know one of the most effective ways for a Christian to elevate Christ is through suffering? If we started to see every hardship, test, and unfair suffering as a chance that God has given us to share His message, how would our lives be different? Is there a more meaningful method to illuminate the shadows and share with the world how Jesus has changed your life forever?
When you decide to respond to difficult situations in a way that is entirely different from how the world would respond—that is, when you choose to trust God instead of giving up and respond with pleasure and love instead of resentment and whining—you are going to gain attention. “How do you accomplish that? How do you manage to be happy? Why don’t you feel resentful and angry? Why don’t you defend yourself?” You need to be prepared to respond to these types of questions at all times. But they will never come if your life is no different than anyone else’s.
When difficulty presents you with an opportunity to communicate with someone about your faith, consider it a blessing. It is usually adversity, not prosperity, that provides these opportunities to bear witness to God’s adequacy and provision. Pain provides this foundation; pleasure does not. Unfortunate events frequently occur in our lives as a means for God to use us as witnesses of Jesus to people who might never otherwise hear.
Hope is a powerful thing. We cannot find our hope in this moment. The world looks to wealth, influence, achievement, health, and research for its future. However, money and expertise alone will never be sufficient to address all of the world’s issues. But there will never be enough knowledge or money to solve the world’s problems although that is all this world has to offer. Christians find their hope in the risen Lord, not in tangible possessions, but in the God who holds us. To endure suffering successfully, we need to believe that because Christ rose from the dead, there is life even in death, victory in every setback, and hope in every circumstance.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are the only one deserving, I put all of my hope, trust, and faith in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen
