MONDAY MANNA

Welcome to Monday Manna. The purpose of this meme is to get together and get to know Christ more through His Word. The first and third Monday of each month, anyone who wishes can post their thoughts on a verse Joanne introduced at her blog the Thursday before. It doesn't have to be a long post -- just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional.

TODAY'S MANNA:
You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:15

Today I am reminded of how God can rescue ANYONE! Of course, I am an example, and my husband, and many more. But, I remember two stories in particular.

One weekday I was sitting at church in the foyer praying with another lady. A man walked up to the door and knocked. As he entered, he told us that he had some needs and came to see if the church could help. Most of all, he shared his amazing testimony. His Christian sister prayed for him for 17 YEARS before he surrended to Christ as Lord. WOW! Talk about perseverance.

I remember another time being at a teacher's workday. A lady came over and said hello. I went on a school trip with her years agowhen she was not walking with the Lord. At that time, she "thought" she was a Christian, because she went to church:) She had recently given her heart to the Lord and entered into a RELATIONSHIP with her Maker! She was a changed person indeed! Her whole countenance had changed. She thanked me for my "witness".

The interesting thing is that I often fight discouragement in sharing my faith. (Do people really care? Am I really effective?) Sure, I love to talk about it and believe we are all called to preach the gospel. And yet, this Scripture refers to BEING a witness. We often don't know how our mere presence, our character, and our ways affect those around us. My husband, in fact, came to the Lord in part because of a Christian man, who worked in the Navy. This man never shared his faith verbally. Russell just knew this man was different. His lifestyle and gratitude were starkly different from many of the others and Russell noticed.

So, don't underestimate the power of your life. We are witnesses without words. We are effective! God is at work, even when you don't see Him! We are His light and we are desperately needed in this dark hour. I find that as I connect with the Lord daily, I taste of His goodness again. I am recharged and so is my "witness".

May you see and hear of God's greatness and continue to BE a witness, always.