How do you view your life and the things that happen to you? The answer to this question couldn't be more important. I'd like to suggest that a good way to consider your life and its events must center in witness.
Moses had been part of God's miracle workings. Think about it: the burning bush, the 10 plagues including the Passover, walking through the Red Sea, the manna, water from the rock,... And how does Moses use these events? When his father-in-law comes around he gives testimony to them. In 18:8 and following he shares "all that the Lord had done to Pharoah and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them." And what was the result? Jethro comes to acknowledge the Lord. He says, "Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharoah and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods..." After that Jethro offers sacrifice to the Lord.
Now it is not just the good or miraculous things to which we give witness. In Luke 21:10 and following Jesus shares that in the later days there will be many difficulties. Beyond the trembling of the earth, men will take believers and persecute them, delivering them up to the synagogue and prisons, bringing them before kings and governors. And how does the Lord view these "negative events'? He says, "This will be your opportunity to bear witness." Can you believe this, that even in the midst of severe affliction Jesus intends for us to think of this as an opportunity to bear witness?
Is that the way we typically look at life? In good times and bad, life and all of its events are a stage for giving witness to our Lord. At the end of 2 Corinthians 6 Paul reminds us we are the temple of the Lord. God Himself dwells in believers. In this way God intends to be a Father to us, and that means we are declared to be His sons and daughters. Now as sons and daughters it is imporant in all circumstances to bear the family resemblance. It is vital that we display the character of the One who indwells us.
Thus, the next time something wonderful happens, or even if you are struck with the greatest of difficulties, make it a habit of asking the question, "How can I bear witness to my Lord and Father in this situation?" Don't begin with grumbling and complaining (assuming the difficult happening). No - that will not glorify your Father, nor make you feel better. Instead seek to put on display the character of your God. In doing this you will be honoring your Father and you will find peace in the midst of your turmoil and a deeper sweetness in your joys.
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