by Rev Steve Nickodemus

Ready to share.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
1 Peter 3:15b

I took this picture just a few days before this barley was harvested. Knowing when to harvest the grain is extremely important. If you harvest too early the grain will be too high in moisture, but If you wait too long the grain will wither.

Knowing just when to give an answer to someone for “the hope that you have” within you is the same problem. If you push too hard, or too early, in sharing about the Lord Jesus with an unbeliever the person may push you away. If you wait too long to share with him or her, the opportunity may be lost and so may the person!

Peter tells us in the above verse to “always be prepared to give an answer” to those seeking spiritual truth. Always be ready, and eager, to speak of the hope we have in Jesus, and of salvation in Him. Constantly be meditating on the Good News in Jesus Christ. Be watching for the opening, the right timing in a conversation or in a friendship, when you can share the “deeper things” of life.

Watch for the moments when people are troubled, convicted, confused, or searching.  Try reaching out in a small way with God’s love in a caring way. Listen and empathize where people are at. Ask for permission to share about spiritual things. Then share about the love of Jesus and ask for permission to pray for your friend.

We are called to constantly watch for the time of harvest, the time that the opportunity is ripe to “bring in the sheaves,” and to share with others about the Hope that we have in Jesus, the only Hope for a dying world. Doing so we shall rejoice as God’s Word does its work of bringing many to Him!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado