I’m continuing the series on: How God Sees Us, which commenced here.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
What is a witness?
A witness is someone who has personally seen, heard or experienced something. It isn’t someone who has read a book about something and is repeating back that they have learnt. A witness is someone who are experienced something. In this case, we are witnessing to the difference that God has made in our life. If we are a Christian we have had an experience with God. We have a story to tell. We may not be a pastor, teacher, or an evangelist but we know how we came to faith, so we can share our experience and be a witness for Christ. If we share an example of how God has worked in our life, answered a prayer, or enable us in some way, than we can be part of the process of someone coming to faith and that is significance, in terms of eternity.
And the best part is we don’t do it in our own strength. Jesus said, we will be his witnesses because of the Holy Spirit’s power, not because we took a course in evangelism, not because we have studied the Bible or prayed a lot but because of the Spirit’s working through our lives. In Acts 4:29 we see the believers praying after Peter and John have been released from a night in jail. “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
They didn’t expect to speak God’s word in their own strength. Two verses later, we read the answer to their prayers. “After they prayed … they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
That was a super quick! If you want a quick answer to prayer – pray for boldness.
While this is the only recorded prayer for boldness there are about six other occasions in Acts when we read that someone, often Paul, spoke the word of God boldly, which suggests that maybe this was something they prayed on a regular basis, and perhaps something we should pray more often.
Similar to being a witness is being God’s co-worker: “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1
Being God’s co-worker gives us significance. In the world, people often want to work with famous people, or sing with well-known singers, or join well-known companies. We have the privilege of working with God and being his co-worker. Whatever our role, it is significant, because we are fulfilling God’s purposes and plans. This knowledge should inspire us to be faithful in whatever God asks us to do whether it is important in the eyes of the world or not. However, being God’s co-worker is not without hardships. As the following verses show: “… in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger.” 2 Corinthians 6:4-5
Paul had many difficulties, but the thing that kept him going is the thought that he was working for the Lord, and God had an inheritance for him. Whatever the difficulties in serving the Lord, they are worth it, because of we know that our God is a God who rewards his people.
