I Peter 3:15-17   But in your hearts revere 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, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 

Years ago one of my students had a sister who was ill and struggling.  We prayed for her so many times and believed that God might heal her.  One day she came into my office, sat down and Just made the statement that J*** had died.  I remember the pain I felt and emptiness.  My heart was broken and I immediately began to wonder what I should say.  I even remember thinking of this verse above “be prepared to give an answer to everyone …”. I had nothing.  I just sat there a prayed.  She was broken and looked so lost.  We sat in silence for almost 30 minutes with the only noise at all was sniffing and sobbing. I finally told her I was sorry and if there was anything I could possibly do, please let me know.  She thanked me and quietly left.  I felt like a total loser.  Here was a student who I had been there for her on her discovery of Christ, acceptance of Him, and was beginning to show real discipleship in Christ.  Yet, I said nothing, just sat there.   I thought about how I could help and studied and came up with things to say and was preparing to contact her the next day.  Before I made contact she came back by.  Before I could speak, she thanked me and shared that God had given her an amazing peace and comfort when she was in my office yesterday.  She felt as if Christ was holding her and letting her know He would be with her through this difficult time.  She was thankful for my presence and silence as it was the only time she had had peace.  Talk about feeling humbled.  God knew exactly what she needed and somehow, God kept my big mouth from trying to fix things by speaking.  I learned so much that day of just waiting on God.  The student continued to grow in Christ and became an example for many, including me.  As we spoke of that time later we both realized that God was moving in a way that amazed us.  We aren’t called to fix things but to be present and listen for God to speak.