The Power of A Compelling Witness

When you’re carrying the weight of the world, you never know who’s watching.

You might be changing their life.

You recall Jack Phillips, the cake artist in Colorado? Masterpiece Cakeshop owner, who politely declined to design a custom wedding cake celebrating a same-sex marriage?

Jack’s life since that fateful day has been no cake walk.

The Colorado Civil Rights Commission sought to force Jack to comply or to leave the wedding business altogether. Jack stood firm… losing nearly 40% of his business and over half of his staff.

Jack’s six-year legal battle was accompanied by hate mail, nasty phone calls, and death threats. At times, rendering his place-of-business unsafe. In the end, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Jack’s favor.

But the “end” was just the beginning of yet another battle. Jack’s opponents had already initiated additional legal challenges designed to destroy either his will or his lifelihood.

“Be still, and know that I am God;… I will be exalted…”” (Psalm 46:10)

“… in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”   (Romans 8:28)

Jack’s daughter, Lisa, puts it this way:

“Through it all, my dad has had this unearthly peace. People call him… say such hateful things… slander him in the news and on the radio… he knows the whole time… it is Christ they are slandering and hating. He considers it an honor to be counted among those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake, and he would willingly do it again.

It’s a beautiful thing to watch and learn from: God giving him all the strength, and my dad giving God all the glory. Watching my dad’s trials… for the sake of Christ has only made me want to know Christ more.”

https://www.adflegal.org/detailspages/blog-details/allianceedge/2018/11/16/how-jack-phillips-case-brought-one-man-to-christ?sourcecode=10002631&id=3

Jack’s nephew, Sean — who did not share his uncle’s faith — took notice.

The hateful treatment toward Jack shocked and angered Sean. Why was it happening? Jack was so genuine, kind and generous. And why didn’t Jack get angry or bitter in return?

Sean watched Jack. And talked with him. He searched the Bible trying to understand. How could Jack withstand such hardship with grace and peace?

You know what’s coming, right? The Lord drew Sean to Himself. Sean is now a changed man… walking with Jesus!

How many others have been changed by the faithful witness of Jack and his family? Jack says it all:

“[We] have been blessed to see countless other Christians who’ve watched the effect of this case on our lives, stand up boldly and with greater confidence. Some weren’t standing up at all, and now they are firm in God’s teachings… That really has made all of this worthwhile.”

https://www.adflegal.org/detailspages/blog-details/allianceedge/2018/11/16/how-jack-phillips-case-brought-one-man-to-christ?sourcecode=10002631&id=3

Hebrews 11:1-39 is full of faith heroes “commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God has planned something better.”  

Something better? The countless others who’ve been drawn to the Lord through their compelling witness?

Who’s watching you?

Please post your comments below.

Diana Furr, a.k.a. Abba’s Girl

This blog may have raised questions for you. If you’d like to connect, engage, or get further help from me, you can… EMAIL me at [email protected]; CALL me at 863-446-1660; or request a complimentary initial CONSULT with me at https://calendly.com/diana-furr.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *