The Witness Lived

When going to believe in something, it is important to know your "source" and know their steps in coming up with a solution. And so it is for me. I have been contemplating getting my left knee replaced, and taking steroid shots every three months has been handling it, but I knew there was a better solution. I was anxious about what to do, even though my knee doctor told me "the knee is shot", to which I replied, "Well, I am going to tough it out and try not to get a replacement."

Enter my good friend who got his knee replaced, and when asking me how I was doing, told me he was so glad he got his knee replaced, and his quality of life, in the area of walking, was much improved. I asked him where he got it done, and he told me, so I made the decision to go to his doctor and get a second opinion, and then go from there. That doctor told me the same, "Your knee should be replaced with an artificial knee, but it was my decision. I looked at Andra, and she gave me a thumbs up, and that was all I needed. I will be getting my new knee on August 20, and even though I will have to deal with some pain in the aftermath, I am sure it will be worth it. Why am I sure? Because my friend told me his experience, and I thought, "Why not me?"

Matthew 5:¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Jesus said these words, "You are the light of the world", and that is all He knew his disciples needed to hear to give their lives to him and set out in faith for life change. He was right. They proceeded to give their lives for the gospel, and their witness changed everything, because with Jesus controlling their lives, they truly were the light of the world.

Because they realised this life was "who they were," their faith compelled others, all the way up through today, to give up what they wanted and follow Jesus in faith. That was their faith walk, and that is our faith walk. When I was born again, the Holy Spirit came into my life and reset my plans to follow Jesus as well, and the personal testimonies of others who were already living that commitment convinced me to do the same. I have convinced some people myself, and I continue to try and convince others, knowing they won't be disappointed, in the end. If I doubted Jesus, I might not convince them, knowing they might not have the same experience I had, but I was assured by faith

The Prophet Jeremiah's words still ring true today, and God will not disappoint those who believe in Him. Jeremiah 29:¹¹ For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Remember what Ananias said to Saul, who became Paul in Acts 22:¹⁵ For you will be a witness for Him to all people of what you have seen and heard. Paul was defending his strong commitment to follow Jesus as an example to those early believers, and he was right because HE LIVED IT!!

I will go into my knee replacement surgery and the post-surgery "believing" and fully committed, and I know that will make the process go much better. Thanks to my friend's encouragement, I believe in a total great result.

Today's Message,

David Warren