"14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3: 14-15
The passage of 1 Peter 3 has always been one of my favorite. It is so rich with words that speak to my soul. Starting In verse fourteen it talks about those who suffer for righteousness sake. It comforts them that they should not be afraid or troubled. It goes on to say that fifteen it talks about sanctifying our hearts through God. It ends by saying be ready to give answers to anyone who come to for help concerning hope. Then you should answer this question in meekness and from the fear of the Lord. These verses are saying that we should not be discouraged when we go through hard times. We are meant to go through these times for a reason. Then after going through what we do we need to be ready to be help those who have questions and are going through similar things that we are going through. When we answer these questions we need to be careful not be judgmental or boastful but rather humble.
These verses have always given me solace because of all of my medical conditions. I always wondered why God would let me have these things wrong with me and by reading these I understood. When I was being diagnosed, I had a lot of friends who were not believers. They had a hard time understand how I was getting through it all without being a complete mess. One friend in particular came to me alone. She struggled with depression and wanted to know how I got though my medical conditions without depression when she could barely get through a normal day. I was able to share with her that my joy did not come from my situations but rather from the Lord. I knew then that this was why God had allowed for this to happen to me. It was to be my testimony to others. This verse shows me exactly why it is my situation and what I need to do with it. Whatever you may be going through, know that God has a reason for it. It may not be clear to you right now but clarity will come to you eventually. We must wait and trust God’s purpose.
