But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. — 1 Peter 3:15
This week, I heard a lot of people talking about what they wanted out of the new year. Some were hopeful for a new house, a new job, or a new car. Others were hopeful for financial success, a better economy, and many other things. We all certainly have things that we would love to have in this world if we think about the new year.
While I heard many interesting things that people wanted in the new year, there was one thing that I did not hear from anyone. Now, that’s not to say that they do not want this in the new year, but it wasn’t the first thing that came to mind. No one said they wanted to be closer to God and share the hope that God gives with someone else.
In this verse, Peter challenges that we should set the Lord God apart in our lives or sanctify Him. Part of this is a quotation from Isaiah, but Peter has a specific purpose. He is saying if we have God in the right place in our hearts, it helps us to face the challenges of our lives.
The amazing thing about this is that it causes people around us to see something different about us. They will see the trust, faith, and hope that we have in God. It will cause them to want to know more. As Peter says, they will want to know more about our hope.
As we set our sights on the new year, we should desire to live our lives so others will question our hope. That starts with putting God in His place in our lives. It comes through living by faith and not being ashamed of it. Then, we must be ready to answer the questions that come. It’s an excellent opportunity to brag on our God and help others find the same hope we have found in Him!
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