Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 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 Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being prepared to present a clear case to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. 1 Peter 3:13-15
Today's thoughts from today's verses:
Earlier in the week we saw how Jesus was able to endure the cross for the joy set before him concerning the outcome of things in the end. Today’s Scripture talks about “the hope that is in you.” It is the hope of what comes next after we are finished here on earth and the joy that lies in store for us in heaven when all is said and done that make the difference. When Christ is Lord of our hearts, our hope and our joy will be more real to us than anything we are going through in the way of opposition as agents of redemption. When Christ is Lord of our hearts, we will be able to give gentle and respectful explanations for the eternal hope we have in Christ through the gift of redemption he has freely bestowed on us through faith. Such opportunities to engage with those who are truly seeking for God make any suffering we may experience from those who oppose us totally worth the cost.
Today's prayer response from today's thoughts:
Lord, I want to be this kind of disciple. It is somewhat easy to embrace the cost of discipleship in the quietness of my devotional time. Grant that the openness of my heart now will result in a steadfastness of spirit in the midst of the foray during the heat of moments of opposition that lie ahead for me. Dear and blessed Jesus, I sanctify you as Lord of my heart right now. Amen!
