Always Be Ready

“If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” – 1 Peter 3:15

The years of training had paid off – all of the early morning conditioning drills, and the late evening focus sessions on the fundamentals.  And when the time came he was ready.  The ball was struck hard, very hard.  As it left the bat it hit the ground on the infield, but then took a giant hop toward left field.  The short stop took a step forward, then leaping into the air he snagged the ball out of the sky.  He landed back on earth and made a quick check to hold the runner on second base, then hurled the ball over to first base for the out.  And just like that, the play was over.

That play was over, but already he was thinking about the next play, the next batter, and what he would do in every possible scenario.  He was playing out every little situation in his brain.  What if…?  What about…?  He knew that if he waited until the ball was headed in his direction before he considered what he should do with it, valuable microseconds would be wasted possibly resulting in a missed opportunity for the next out, or even a run scored for the other team.

This is also wonderful illustration of evangelism.  Many of us recognize a witnessing opportunity a few seconds after the opportunity has passed.  To my great disappointment, I know for certain that I have done this.  Peter tells us that as believers, we must always be ready to give an explanation to other people about the hope that we have in Christ.  Always.  The only way to accomplish this successfully is to practice and prepare beforehand.  Think through the common objections that unbelievers have about the Bible and prepare a response beforehand.  Pray about your weekly scenarios – the way that you most commonly encounter other people – in line at the grocery store, waiting for an appointment at the doctor’s office, having lunch with a coworker.  “When the ball comes to you” so to speak, what are you going to do with it?  If you are not prepared, you risk bobbling the ball or dropping it completely.  Walk into the grocery store already looking for that person who will be standing next to you at some point.  Have the truths of the Scripture on your lips.  Paul even told Timothy to be ready with God’s word both in season and out of season.

Always be ready!

Pastor Bruce

bruce.cullom@gmail.com