Witnesses

All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.

Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.
(Hebrews 11:39-12:3 Holman Christian Standard Bible ©®)

The witnesses are not there to witness against us, or just to watch us. They are there bearing witness to us – that our God is full of faith, and that He will cause us to succeed as we cooperate with His work in our lives. And, maybe, to encourage us when we believe that we are standing, but the outcome doesn’t look like we are winning!