One More Thought
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1 Peter: 3:14&15a
This is the same guy who denied Jesus three times. Now he is telling us to be ready to talk about Jesus. I am struck by the 180 turn in Peter’s life.
Peter learned how important it is to share his story, his faith in Jesus with others. He knows first hand how awful it is to turn your back on the very person Who gives you hope, life and forgiveness. I think it’s an important lesson to lean into a bit.
The very thing that brought him shame and guilt is now the fuel that propels his message of the grace of God and living holy for Him. How amazing is that!?!
Verse 14 says: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’”
Peter faced fear that night with Jesus and fear won. He let the fear of what the people around him would say or do dictate his actions. Through what he has suffered and the things that he has learned, he admonishes us to not allow fear to override who we are in Christ.
When Jesus is above everything and everyone else in our lives, even if we suffer or are persecuted we have hope. We have the power of the resurrection in us.
Can you close your eyes and think of an area that you allow fear or an unhealthy habit steal the hope and joy you could have? Is there something that robs you of purpose? Peter gets it. He was there. He had to walk through the lies that the enemy and his thoughts would continually tell him. “You know you’ll forsake Jesus again.” “You know you will never be good enough.” “You’ll never be like John, Jesus loved John.” That’s what I imagine because that’s what I hear. Well, not about John specifically, but insert a girls name and you’ve pretty much got it.
I know I said it before, but it bears repeating…how amazing! …how gracious! …how encouraging!
If Peter with all his bravado of sticking with Jesus no matter what. With all his emotion and zeal launching him to walk on water and burst into the tomb and cut the guys ear off. IF Peter can go from that guy to the guy that turns the world upside down. To the guy who heals people, spreads the love and fame of Jesus without fear, then my friend, there is hope and freedom for us! (confetti popper here)
And here’s the kicker, it’s my story …your story. It’s not complicated. You don’t have to quote book and verse. You have to be real, honest, open. Sharing can be vulnerable AND life-changing. Ours and theirs.
“And they defeated him by the blood of the lamb and by their testimony. “ Revelation 12:11a
Jesus’ death and resurrection changed everything. The stain and condemnation of sin no longer has the power to hold us captive. So, let’s be brave enough to share all the hard and beautiful parts of our story. Let’s turn the world upside down!
I pray that you have an amazing day!
All My Love ~
Jodi xoxo