What Gives You Hope?

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. 1 Peter 3:15

As I read this in my devotional this morning it reminded me of an incident that happened several years ago. I was in hospital being treated for a brain tumour at the time, on this particular evening my consultant was doing his final rounds. He looked at my charts and asked me how I was feeling to which I responded that I felt good. As he hung my charts on the end of my bed he smiled asking me, “why are you so positive, what gives you so much hope?” I was stunned by the question, these incidents don’t arise often. I shared in a few words my faith in God, that death held no fear over me, that I trusted God to use him and his staff to heal me. Importantly that I was at peace regardless of the outcome. There was a momentary silence as he took in what I had said, then he smiled and thanked me. He told me he thought I was going to be fine, in his experience patients with faith in God had the best outcomes.

I often think of that moment on the hospital ward in Edinburgh, I find myself wondering what was the outcome for my consultant. He was a lovely man who I had much time for, when I remember him I pray for him even if only briefly.

Let me challenge you dear reader, are you ready to answer anyone who asks you about your faith today? Such appointments are arranged by God, ask Him to put you in His diary today!