BE PREPARED

“But in your hearts set apart 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 Peter 3:15

 

On September 3, 1857, the SS Central America left the Panamanian port of Colón, sailing for New York City under the command of William Lewis Herndon. The ship was laden with 9 tons of gold prospected during the California Gold Rush. After a stop in Havana, Cuba the ship continued north.

Off of the Carolinas, the ship was damaged in a hurricane. The Central America was in a bad state, had sprung a leak, and was going down. She, therefore, hoisted a signal of distress. A ship came close to her, and its captain asked, through the trumpet, "What is wrong?" "We are in bad repair and are going down. Wait till morning," was the answer. But the captain on board the rescue ship said, "Let me take your passengers on board now." "Wait until morning," was the message that came back. Once again the captain cried, "You had better let me take your passengers on board now." "Wait until morning," was the reply that sounded through the trumpet. About an hour and a half later, the ship went dark and sank. Waiting cost 477 passengers and 101 crewmembers their lives. 

 

We need to be prepared to share our hope and faith in Jesus Christ with others. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for the opportunities to share your faith. Ask Him how you can be prepared to share the Gospel with others.

 

"Jesus Christ didn't commit the gospel to an advertising agency; He commissioned disciples. And He didn't command them to put up signs and pass out tracts; He said that they would be his witnesses." - Joseph Bayly

 

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6