Philippians 1:8a For God is my witness

A witness is more than an observer, he speaks out in defense of the truth. What better witness could you have other than God Himself?

I would love to believe that I am in fellowship with men and women that can hear God’s witness of my words and actions. People in general are quick to judge, but Christ implores us not to be that way.

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Since none are righteous but Christ, I defer to His witness of the truth in these matters. That is not an easy thing to do, I admit. Tender hearted people wound easily but I have learned this from Paul’s experiences.

Philippians 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

It is easier to take a wound for a good cause. Being able to see that in those moments is not easy. It takes a deep abiding relationship with He who loves perfectly and whose witness is true.

John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Listen carefully.

John 11:21-23 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

I know how Martha felt. So do many others. Jesus came for Lazarus to raise him from the dead. It didn’t have to be that way. The only reason Lazarus died was for the glory of God. There was no other reason.

Now let us ask the hard question. How is God glorified in the death of our loved ones? Watching helplessly, desperate for healing, pained to tears, crying out to God for help, how is God glorified?

I don’t like the answer but I know it.

John 11:9-10 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

This is what Jesus said just as He left to raise Lazarus. There was no reason to speak these words, but He did.

Will we walk in the darkness thru these times or will we walk in the light? Will we allow the shadow of death to consume us or will be glorify God, no matter the outcome.

We all pray for a different outcome. Being swallowed up by this darkness which surrounds us will not help our loved ones. I doubt that our loved ones would want us to be consumed either.

John 11:19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

What did these people see, faith that failed the sisters, or faith that still glorified God?

What will those who see me discover during this night?