Daily devotion – Our witness this week.
A Beautiful Witness
Have you ever taken notice of the countenance of people when you’re out in public? Faces tell a story—in fact, many stories. Tired dark eyes often reveal difficult fearful living, and weary expressions portray lives weighed down by the burdens of this world.
Very few people seem genuinely happy, and even fewer appear truly content. As a nation, we have forsaken God, and in turning away from Him we are beginning to reap what we have sown.
But what about those of us who know Christ? What do people see when they look at us? What do our expressions, our attitudes, and our demeanour communicate?
Surely they should see peace—a peace that makes little sense in such a chaotic world. Paul wrote:
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
As Christians, we face the same trials as everyone else. We have mortgages to pay, illnesses to endure, disappointments to face, and uncertainties about the future. Yet because we belong to Christ, God has given us His wonderful gift of grace, and grace is always accompanied by the peace of God.
There is another passage that beautifully describes what people should recognise in the lives of those who walk with Jesus:
Acts 4:13
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”
As we head into a new week—back to work, school, the sporting field, or perhaps a coffee with friends—let us pray that those we meet will recognise that we have been with Jesus. May they see a joy that is unspeakable, a contentment despite the trials they know we are facing, and a quiet confidence that cannot be explained by circumstances alone.
This is to be our witness—our “sermon in shoe leather.” Our lives should point people to the One who has transformed us. They may not yet know His name, but they should see that there is something—or rather, Someone—missing from their own lives.
Consider Stephen. As abuse was hurled at him by an angry mob and false accusations were spoken against him, the people did not see a man consumed by fear or hatred. Instead, we read:
Acts 6:15
“And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”
What an extraordinary testimony! Even in the face of death, Stephen reflected the presence and peace of Christ.
This week, live for Christ. Be His witness. Let others see Jesus in you, and may the Lord use your life to draw those who are lost, giving you the opportunity to share with them the eternal life they are searching for.