Witness

My husband and I have attended two funerals in the past couple of weeks; one a high school school classmate and friend named

Jim Giles who died unexpectedly, and another older gentleman, Jack Thetford, who  had recently dealt with some health issue and has been an active member of our church and one who we too were honored to call friend.  Life tomorrow is not guaranteed, we know that, but how often do we really cherish our todays and live as God's witnesses.   

I have said it before in some of my writings that one time a friend of mind when confronted with accolades for his involvement in Brookwood, humble and with a smirk said; listen I am just walking across the stage (of life).  It was a subtle reminder that has stuck with me for years as I still recall that very conversation.  When I go to funerals and listen to the stories friends and family tell of their loved ones who have passed away, so often they are filled with such great unselfish actions of service, faith, community involvement and love for others as they have reached out to help people, often those who are complete strangers. They have walked across the stage into eternity.

And I think wow, God must be so pleased by their involvement and their capacity to selflessly share their faith and sacrifice their time to touch the hurting or needy souls that have crossed their path.  Stories were also included of integrity, of character, leadership, and a dedication to the Lord .It was not just a “here and there”  part of their living but a daily walk of dedication and dependance on our God and his power, wisdom, direction  and strength that is not only available to them but embraced and lived out through their faith.    And it makes me think sometimes, I wish I would have known them better.   And it also makes me want to be a more faithful warrior for God while I still am here.   

Funerals are a reverent time to remember and celebrate a life lived and loved but also a time to consider the heavenly home that awaits each of us who believe in Jesus Christ. Though death of a loved one propels us into a hard and jaunting grief journey that seems unbearable and almost intolerable, God remains steady, and he is the anchor that will keep us steady, through the storms and turbulent waves of emotions that seem to crash upon our hearts.  

We had a lesson today in church that centered on Pauls time in prison and the many people, even prison guards, who came to know and worship Christ through those darkened times as Paul, who was in chains continued to profess the mighty power and love of God.  How could this man fell this way when he was suffering, in chains and confined unmercifully because of a true and rightful message of Christ?  He was sold out to Christ. He was insistent and emphatically driven to share Christ with others.   

It is the faith that we hold tight to that gives us the strength to carry on and the courage to face the unknown ….one day at a time.  Paul had that kind of faith.  And we can too… we can grow it and expound upon it and be driven by it too.  Our faith, though it lives deep within our soul, is reflected by the way we approach the tough times that come upon us, often unexpectedly, and the way we deal with others, even those who aren’t particularly pleasant.   

So many times, I don’t know about you, but I feel inadequate in my ability to witness and share what I know of Christ.  For I know 

he gives me the strength I need, 

Forgives my sins

Loves me unconditionally

Settles my fears,

Guide me as I seek his will for decisions, 

Trust him in circumstances, especially the ones that  are completely out of my control, and

He gives  me a peace that makes no sense in our earthly setting. 

He does that for all of us if we let him!

But how do you share something that is so intimate and so real and so tangible in our hearts and minds yet something that sounds so unrealistic.  I have learned, that I have to depend on God to give me the courage, the words and the examples that someone would relate to, in order to share what I know is to be true. God’s opportunities surround us and sometimes a word of encouragement or sympathy or comfort is the very thing that God will use for you to have an opening to say more.   For anyone who is willing to listen and accept the story of Christ and give God a chance to change their own lives, that will be God’s business. 

People who do not know of the power, love and mercy of Christ are often watching those who are in a dark place and looking for an answer  of HOW are they managing? You and I just by living in faith are witnessing, unknowingly, and being used as God’s vessel through our suffering to open the eyes of others to see the God who you and I have embraced.  

We have an eternal future. And those who have known Christ and have gone before us are with Christ now. 

We serve a loving and forgiving God.  And our days too are numbered, so we need to make the very best of today; sharing with others what we know to be true and good and excellent of our God who reigns over this earth in his heavenly realm.  

Our time on this earth is short…and though you may think you are insignificant and don’t measure up to be able to be used as God’s vessel…. THINK AGAIN! All is takes is a willing and a slight bit of courage to reach out and bless someone’s life.  For you and I both are just walking across the stage…so leave some footprints with your story of what Christ has done for you  and God will do the rest.  For the seed will be planted and it is God who will grow it according to his will.   

Some of you have recently had a loved one called to their heavenly home. I can imagine your heart is broken in pieces, and I am sure that hope and joy seem to be a far-fetched reach of assurance right now…but I know wth all my heart that God will be faithfully beside you and your ever present friend ...His promises  never fail and he will be your  faithful comforter, and life line and will  gently guide you as each day goes by.   Be watching for his little treasures of assurance….for  I am convinced he will drop them often on your path.  

With Love and appreciation for YOUR LIFE THIS DAY.  May you feel the presence of the Lord as he hovers over you, and may you continue to reflect on the blessings you have been given and look forward to the ones to come.   With Love!

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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