God Speaking

“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord…” (2 Timothy 1:8)

Recently I was watching an advertisement on the television which was expounding at great length, the efficiency of a special nasal strip to stop one snoring. The ad itself was very predictable and I found it quite boring until the last segment which pictured couples testifying to the great success of one of them using the device, and the other getting a good night’s sleep. What caught my eye was a sign running under their sharing which read, “These are real people, not actors” I was reminded of this on Sunday morning when our church had a special service devoted to church members sharing their testimonies about the amazing way the Lord had been evident in their lives. I did not need a sign telling me that these were not actors, their real stories brought tears to my eyes, and their honesty about the struggles they had gone through and the way the Lord had carried them through dark times was proof enough.

Hearing another’s testimony always strengthens one’s own faith. It gives us the courage to face our own dark times. It helps us to be honest about our own failings and to seek the Lord when storms erupt in our lives. It focuses us on hope instead of wallowing in self-pity.

John the Baptist is a wonderful example of a living testimony;

“There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.” (John 1:6 – 7)

John the Baptist is also such a good example of a humble man. He knew he was not the light. His role was to give witness to the light. His sole purpose was to draw others to the light not to himself.

“He himself was not the light; he came only to witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” (John 1:8 – 9)

It is sometimes hard to separate ourselves from a situation and to see the hand of God when a solution appears for our problems. It is so easy when we have survived a crisis to think, “I managed that well after all” but acknowledging who provided the help takes us out of the equation. We don’t need to hear, “What a great Christian he/ she is.” We need to hear, “What a great God they serve.”

Being able to witness for our Lord does not always mean standing in front of a crowd and speaking. True witnessing is summed up in these words; A Living Testimony. When we live and walk in the Lord’s ways our actions will be more powerful than many words.

“Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart…” (1 John 5:10)

I heard this beautiful song that captures this thought

We Worship You Today

My life is a testimony, my heart is an open vessel

My will is the part that yields to Your will

My walk is the way You lead me

My talk is the way You feed

My praise is the sweetest sound to Your ear.

– Martin Sapp