Can I Get A Witness

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:13-17 NLT

So much in this passage of scripture, that we could spend many hours discussing it all. The main point I want to get across is "always being ready to explain our faith." We are told over and over to be witnesses. The very last thing Jesus was recorded as saying in Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

Many times we get hung up on the excuse that we don't know how to witness. We aren't sure what to say. What if we say the wrong thing and the person we're witnessing to gets offended and never turns to the Lord? This my friend is not walking by faith but allowing our witness of
Jesus, to be controlled by fear. In the case of what Peter was saying, "if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain." I'm not saying you should wait until asked before attempting to witness, if you do you may be waiting a long time. What I am saying is why would anyone ask. Surely not because of your good works, or your "super spirituality." Definitely not because of your legalism, but because of your joy!

When people see your joy, even in the midst of your circumstances, they will ask what's up! They can't understand it. They will want it! When they do, you need to be able to share where it comes from. I'm not talking about happiness. Happiness is controlled by our circumstances. As a Christian, you're still going to have bad days. Joy comes from knowing the Lord, knowing that whatever the circumstances, good or bad, He will never leave or forsake you!

That is peace that surpasses all understanding! The joy of the Lord is our strength!

If you would like to know more about this joy that only comes from knowing Jesus, click on one of the church links on this page. If you would like prayer or someone to simply talk with, contact me directly; rlwhitener@gmail.com Please include "prayer request" in the subject line.

Thanks for following along,
God Bless