A Witness

If you’ve had e-mail for a while you’ve received the story of a lady in the hospital who loved Jesus and told everyone she met about Him. There was a nurse at the hospital that did not know Him as Lord, and did not wish to hear of him at all. The ill lady continued her witness, saying God kept her here because she had something to do, and she never failed to speak of her Jesus. The story ended with her death – and the nurse’s change of heart, picking up the witnessing to others.

I’ve seen that story in real life. Miz B was not hospitalized, but she had to have dialysis several days a week in order to maintain her life. Her transportation options were extremely limited so several people from our church scheduled their lives to take her. Beloved Husband and I discussed it, but his pickup sits high, making entry a bit difficult at best, even with running boards. He dislikes driving my compact car, so we missed out on opportunities to enjoy her sharing Jesus with others. Many in our church did have the pleasure and shared those times.

This week, during her dialysis, her heart failed. Physically, for it did not fail her spiritually. Whatever task He laid before her was finished and she could continue on her journey to meet her Lord.

How could she know that? The Bible told her so.

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:7-8 KJV)

She knew there was much more to life than what is presented here. There is work to be done here for Him:

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. (2 Corinthians 5:9 KJV)

And there will be an accounting done there before Him:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:10-11 KJV)

She spoke to others of her love for Jesus, sharing the gospel message of salvation and joy that angels praised.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11 KJV)

How, then, can we say, “We cannot” when it is only our minds placing limitations? What could possibly keep us from saying, “Do you know my Jesus?” or “Let me tell you about how Jesus loves us.” If we don’t, He has promised the message will still be heard.

Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. (Luke 19:38-40 KJV)