By Andrew Williams
Opening Prayer
God, thank you for the story of grace you are writing in my life. Give me the boldness to share it for your glory.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
1 Peter 3:15b
“…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.”
One of the most powerful and personal tools for discipleship is your testimony. Your testimony is simply your story of how you have experienced the hope of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to be a theologian to share it, because you are the world’s foremost expert on your own life story.
Notice the context: people will ask you for the reason for your hope. When you live a life that is marked by the peace, joy, and resilience that come from abiding, growing, and resting in Christ, it will stand out. It will make people curious. Our lives should create the questions that our testimony answers.
The command is to “always be prepared.” This means we should think through our story and be able to share it clearly and concisely. And the posture is crucial: “with gentleness and respect.” We are not trying to win an argument; we are trying to share a hope. Your story of transformation is a compelling piece of evidence that Jesus is real and that He changes lives.
Disciples’ Life Tip:
Take 15 minutes to write out a three-minute version of your testimony. Structure it simply:
- Before: What was your life like before you truly began following Jesus?
- How: How did you come to a personal relationship with Him?
- After: How has He changed your life since?
Practice sharing it out loud.
Closing Prayer: Lord God, thank You for giving me a story to tell. Help me to be prepared, gentle, and respectful as I look for opportunities to share the reason for the hope that I have in You. Amen.
