Be Prepared to Give an Answer

by Jenna Zelm In the eight months I’ve worked at Campus Life, God has truly been at work. The more I have talked to students, I am absolutely amazed at their faith and what they have seen God do in their lives. Even though I am the leader, they often challenge me and help me to grow in my faith. One of those instances was just a couple weeks ago. A student called me to chat about a conversation she had just had with a friend. This student was hanging out with a friend when they began to talk about religion. Her friend does not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus. So, the student began to tell them about her experience, and what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. She said that their conversation lasted for probably an hour, just going back and forth, talking about who God is and what the Bible tells us about Him.

Because of growing up studying the Word, and applying what it means to her own life, she was prepared to have that conversation.

Sometimes, as humans, we may get nervous if people try to challenge our beliefs, but this specific student did not have any fear. Because of growing up studying the Word, and applying what it means to her own life, she was prepared to have that conversation. She not only listened to her friend, but was able to point them to scripture with her points. There were no rude comments exchanged, but a healthy debate of asking questions back and forth, sharing experiences, and learning about God’s truth. Sometimes society puts children down because they are young and inexperienced, but the Bible tells us otherwise. 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” In this instance, the student really did set a good example for myself and other believers. This story reminded me why it is so important to study scripture for ourselves. It helps us to not just grow our own faith, but to be able to share the truth with others as God calls us to do.