“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” (1 Pet. 3:15, NIV).

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Living in harsh Alaskan conditions, we know how to prepare: We might have extra food rationing for earthquakes, emergency kits we carry in our cars for the snow, and most recently - extra filters or masks should Mount Spurr erupt. The beginning process of preparing for something could look like collecting information and anticipating the outcomes.  

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Now, how could you “prepare” by applying this to the gospel? You can learn more and more about Jesus through His Word and be grounded in what you believe. You can also anticipate how you could respond to someone asking you why you are so generous, why you have peace receiving a scary medical diagnosis, or why you are able to honor or forgive your boss. How prepared are you to explain why you not only follow Jesus, but why it has changed your life?

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Ask the Lord to show you opportunities throughout your week where you can share about why you believe in Jesus. As we are coming up on Impact Alaska, anticipate someone asking why you are serving and what your response will be. Practice saying it out loud or write out why you have hope in the life to come. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to help you live it out.  

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*Illustration by artist and ACF member, Ellen Krover

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