Question Or Declaration?

I can remember during my school years when a teacher would ask a question to which they would receive an answer accompanied by a tone of uncertainty. For example, the teacher would ask a question like, “In what year did the battle of Gettysburg take place?” to which a student might respond, “In 1863?” The teacher would then ask, “Are you asking me or telling me?” Even though the answer was correct, since it was phrased as a question it revealed a lack of CONFIDENCE with regard to the information.

When it comes to what we believe and the faith we have for living our lives in this realm, are we leaving others to wonder about our CERTAINTY? Needless to say there are things we do not know, but do we live with CONFIDENCE regarding what God has clearly revealed? Are others able to see that because of our relationship with Christ we have a steadfast hope that brings stability to our life?

Peter urged those to whom he wrote…
“(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 regard 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; (16) yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” ( 1 Peter 3:14-16 ESV)

Is Christ truly the Lord of our life so that we can CONFIDENTLY offer a defense or “give an answer” (KJV & NIV) when asked about the hope we have in Him? Is there something in the way we live and respond to the world’s questions that they can be struck by a stability for life that can only be found in Christ and the truth of God’s Word? It was this kind of faith that the Hebrew writer urged his readers to develop as they pressed on in the face of persecution.

We read…
“(5) Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.’ (6) So we can CONFIDENTLY SAY, ‘THE LORD IS MY HELPER; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” ( Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV)

Not “The Lord is my helper?”, but “THE LORD IS my helper!” Instead of a question mark in response to the world’s inquiries, let it be an exclamation mark of trust in God! That is the CONFIDENCE to be made evident in our life with the hope others will come to possess it as well. May its reality be CONFIDENTLY reflected by the tone of our actions and words.

Have a great day PUNCTUATED BY TRUSTING FAITH!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Confidence