The other day I was in the grocery store and it seemed like everyone was rushing around, filling their carts. Simultaneously, all the employees were trying their best to put out new inventory.
I was over in the refrigerated section when I saw one employee kind of freeze and just try to collect herself. I gently went over and said, “You ok?” And snapping out of it, she goes, “Oh yeah, I’m fine. Just trying to get my thoughts together! Thank you so much for asking.”
It made me think about the message we heard on Sunday, how we are supposed to be a little “different” and do the things that are out of the ordinary - like smile at people, genuinely listen, ask them how they are doing, and share with them the hope that we have.
These are not typical things of the world. In fact, almost everyone in that grocery store was thinking about one thing - getting in and getting out!
What if we paused our rushing to notice people? How would that affect our witness as believers?
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15, NLT)
According to this verse, we are challenged to “always have an answer” and the beautiful thing about that is — we don’t need to make it complicated! We can just say, “Jesus is my hope. He is my everything.”
I’ve thought about times where people have asked me why I am so happy, or why I am so calm…and honestly, I failed to answer that question. I was a believer still on the milk and not quite on the solid food (Hebrews 5:13-14), and I wasn’t even sure how to articulate the hope that was within me.
But now that I’ve walked with the Lord for awhile, I have that answer. I know Who gives me hope! And it’s time that I confidently share that with boldness.
If you’re anything like me, being bold doesn’t quite come easily. It takes work for me to say things out loud that aren’t “socially acceptable” or that could offend another.
But the way that we are living this Christian life - sharing our true hope - shouldn’t be something that is scary to share. In fact, sharing hope is something the world desperately needs right now.
So maybe we can be brave together? And, go up to that person who looks like they need prayer and encouragement? Maybe this will be the year that we take action to live out our faith. I’m cheering for you, friend! We are disciples and it is time to act.
I was over in the refrigerated section when I saw one employee kind of freeze and just try to collect herself. I gently went over and said, “You ok?” And snapping out of it, she goes, “Oh yeah, I’m fine. Just trying to get my thoughts together! Thank you so much for asking.”
It made me think about the message we heard on Sunday, how we are supposed to be a little “different” and do the things that are out of the ordinary - like smile at people, genuinely listen, ask them how they are doing, and share with them the hope that we have.
These are not typical things of the world. In fact, almost everyone in that grocery store was thinking about one thing - getting in and getting out!
What if we paused our rushing to notice people? How would that affect our witness as believers?
“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” (1 Peter 3:15, NLT)
According to this verse, we are challenged to “always have an answer” and the beautiful thing about that is — we don’t need to make it complicated! We can just say, “Jesus is my hope. He is my everything.”
I’ve thought about times where people have asked me why I am so happy, or why I am so calm…and honestly, I failed to answer that question. I was a believer still on the milk and not quite on the solid food (Hebrews 5:13-14), and I wasn’t even sure how to articulate the hope that was within me.
But now that I’ve walked with the Lord for awhile, I have that answer. I know Who gives me hope! And it’s time that I confidently share that with boldness.
If you’re anything like me, being bold doesn’t quite come easily. It takes work for me to say things out loud that aren’t “socially acceptable” or that could offend another.
But the way that we are living this Christian life - sharing our true hope - shouldn’t be something that is scary to share. In fact, sharing hope is something the world desperately needs right now.
So maybe we can be brave together? And, go up to that person who looks like they need prayer and encouragement? Maybe this will be the year that we take action to live out our faith. I’m cheering for you, friend! We are disciples and it is time to act.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.