praying effectively: Do Not Fear (1Peter 3:13-22)

(1 Peter 3:13-22)  Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 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; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we are not fearful, intimidated or troubled by others (3:14)

- that we keep a good conscience, even when people try to malign us (3:16)

- that we are zealous in being good (3:13)

- that we keep putting Christ first in our lives (3:15)

- that God allows tests and trials into our lives as He sees fit, for us to see how He will help us through it, and for unbelievers to see God working (3:17-18)

- that we are ready to answer anyone who asks us about our salvation and our hope (3:15)

- that we explain the gospel message with gentleness and reverence (3:15)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being just, and sovereign.  Help us to stay focused on You, no matter what we are going through.  Even more so when we are going through tests and trials, help us remember that You are all-powerful, and that we do not have to fear anyone or anything.

In every situation, give us the courage and the right words, so that everything we do and say will glorify You.  Amen.