"'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?'" Matthew 16:15 (NIV)
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Have you ever met someone who left a lasting impression you'll never forget? Is there a memory of them permanently engraved in your mind or on your heart?
I will never forget a gal I once knew named Stephanie. Many years ago we attended the same college. We were very different, yet we enjoyed each other's company. We shared a conversation one evening which still rings in my mind today.
We were taking a walk through campus when she matter-of-factly informed me that she was an atheist and did not believe in God. Without hesitation and a calm assurance, she simply shared her beliefs with me. She then paused, and graciously proceeded to ask me what I believed.
More than 20 years later, I can so vividly remember my answer as if it were yesterday. I was able to tell her that I had faith in Jesus, but I was not able to tell her about my faith in Jesus.
I am still convicted by how I felt then, even now. Do I have a ready answer for the very next person I meet?
When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter was prepared with a ready answer and responded, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16 NIV)
But what about me? Who is my Jesus? What has He done in my life? Why do I follow Him?
Today I have a ready answer in four simple words — He is my Hope.
When we are in the midst of a catastrophic situation, we find ourselves clinging to hope. The smallest glimmer of hope keeps our eyes open and our heads held up.
When we are in the midst of a frustrating situation, we find ourselves clinging to hope. The smallest glimmer of hope keeps us looking beyond the disturbance.
When we are in the midst of our daily routines, we find ourselves clinging to hope. The smallest glimmer of hope keeps us believing for something more.
That glimmer of hope is assurance in the One who did not stay in His grave. The One who saves, forgives, loves and carries us through it all. This hope is all we need. This glimmer of hope is Jesus.
It is my heart's desire to be ready at a moment's notice to explain my faith to anyone who asks. My faith is in a God who offers hope beyond our circumstances. Beyond reason, beyond logic, and beyond the ordinary things we can see.
It is a hope worth clinging to.
I am now able to tell those I meet not only that I have faith in Jesus, but also about my faith in Jesus.
If asked today, what would you say you believe? Is Jesus your Lord? If so, what does that look like in your life? Do you have a ready answer?
Dear Lord, You are my hope every day. Thank You for loving me and guiding me. Help me to see You in my circumstances — all of them. You are that glimmer of hope that keeps me hanging on. Thank You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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Application Steps:If someone were to randomly walk up to you today and ask you about your faith, what would you say? Do you have a ready answer?
Reflections:Are you sure of what you hope for?
Are you certain of what you do not see?
How can you use these answers to lead others to Jesus?
Power Verses:
Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (NIV)
Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV)
© 2011 by Holly Good. All rights reserved.