1 Peter 3:15

New International Version (NIV)

But in your hearts revere 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. But do this with gentleness and respect

For Meditation

The story is told of an officer of the British Army who was leading a company of soldiers back to the war front in World War I after they had been on furlough. It was raining; the road was muddy; and the countryside was war-scarred and desolate. The men knew that they were returning to possible death. Their shoulders sagged, and none spoke or sang. As they marched along, the officer glanced through the door of a ruined church and saw the figure of Christ on the cross. It suddenly brought courage and hope.

Turning to his men, he gave the command: “Eyes, right! March!”

The depressed and discouraged soldiers saw what the officer had seen, and in the suffering but triumphant Christ they found new strength and hope. They lifted their heads, squared their shoulders, and bravely marched forward.

1. With the year 2017 bearing down on us, how hopeful are you?
2. If somebody should ask you “to give the reason for your hope,” what will your response be (1 Peter 3:15)?
3. If you have not set Christ Jesus apart in your heart as Lord, how can you claim that He is the reason for your hope in the coming year? How confident can you be in saying that He is the source of your strength?
4. Can you state with gentleness and respect that because of Christ Jesus, you can face 2017 with great anticipation and optimism?
5. Where then is the place for fear and despair because of some unfortunate situation in the year 2016?

I pray that you will “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23).

So: May you “be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Rm. 12:12), as you bravely march into 2017 with your eyes on our triumphant Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ; and may integrity and uprightness protect you, because your hope is in Him (Ps. 25:21).

When we face uncertainty, Christ is our only hope and strength.

Shalom