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 led 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 they were returning to probable 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 commanded: “Eyes, right! March!”

Newfound strength and courage filled the once depressed and discouraged soldiers upon seeing what the officer had seen. In the suffering but triumphant Christ, they found new hope. They lifted their heads, squared their shoulders, and with a boldness that only Christ’s hope can inspire, they marched forward.

The apostle Paul describes the hopeless condition of everybody without Christ, much like the British soldiers returning to the war in the story.

Formerly you who are Gentiles by birth … remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world (Eph. 2:11-12). [Emphasis added].

However, something changed when we met Jesus. He saved us by His grace (4-6) and gave us hope for eternity (Col. 1:27). This is our confidence as believers in Him. Peter tells us to always have a ready answer to everyone who asks for the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15). With this hope, we can face the perils of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow.  

With the year 2025 bearing down on us, how hopeful are you? What answer can you give to someone who asks you for the reason for the hope you have? You cannot claim hope for 2025 if you have not set Christ Jesus apart in your heart as Lord and Savior. He is our Shepherd, Guide, and Protector. If the Lord does not build our homes and everything we have, we build in vain. Unless He watches over our nations and cities, the efforts of our security forces are futile (Psalm 127:1). Our economic efforts will be fruitless, and even sleep will elude us (v.2).

You see why, without Christ, you cannot confidently tell somebody that you are hopeful for 2025? There is no place for fear and despair in your life because of some unfortunate situation in 2024, with Christ holding your hand across the threshold into 2025. He guarantees peace and joy to His disciples and strength in times of trouble. 

Therefore, hold unswervingly to the hope you profess, for He who promised to be with you through every tragedy (Isaiah 43:2) is faithful (Heb. 10:23).

Pray with me

Thank you, Father, for the hope you have given me in Christ Jesus. May His grace carry me through the rest of this year and into the coming year, 2025, for security, fruitfulness, peace, and joy in the power of the Holy Spirit. In His name, amen!