1 Peter 3:18-22

A theme of the apostle Peter’s letter is suffering. He warns believers to be prepared to suffer for doing good. One good act that can bring suffering is sharing the gospel, stated in a nutshell in verse 18 of this week’s passage. The suffering you and I face is probably not martyrdom or prison. Pastor Dave pointed out that, more likely, the suffering is relational. Sharing the gospel with a friend or family member or neighbor may strain the relationship, even fracture it. Am I willing to take that risk for the sake of the gospel? Do I really believe that the good news of the gospel is my friend’s greatest need, and am I willing to suffer rejection to extend the offer? Or am I content to know that I am saved, assuming my friend “will figure it out eventually,” or rationalizing, “I’m not really in a position to … I wouldn’t know what to say if …”? In prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to check your heart, exposing any complacency or timidity or apathy that might be lurking there.

Ask the Lord to show you one person in your sphere of influence with whom He wants you to share the gospel. Begin by committing to pray daily for that person for some period of time. But how long should that period of preparation be? When should I speak? Am I postponing obedience because of fear? Or is the Holy Spirit really saying, “Wait … the time is not yet right”? Pray for clear guidance, for ears attuned to the Holy Spirit’s voice. Years ago, the Lord gave me an opening to share the gospel in a conversation with my friend Jean. I missed it. Then I sensed the Lord asking me to explain the gospel in a letter, but I put it off. I remember telling Him, “I’ll write the letter when You give me the words.” Immediately I heard – not audibly, but truly – “Sit down with paper and pen and I’ll give you the words.” *

As you wait for God’s clear timing, be praying about your attitude and manner, not just your words. As you ask for boldness to begin a conversation, pray that you can speak with gentleness and respect (verse 15) and humbly, not self-righteously. Ask the Lord to keep you from placing too much importance on your role. Remember that Jesus saves; we tell.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

P.S. I intended to take a few weeks off over Christmas, but that turned into eight weeks as we awaited a diagnosis and treatment plan for my grandson Aiden and as we moved my 92-year-old mother to an assisted living community. Thank you for your patience!

This is an abbreviated version of the prayer blog. Contact us to subscribe to the full version, which includes personal prayer requests.