Our testimony, or faith story, can be a powerful tool for advancing the kingdom of God. First and foremost, God is glorified when we testify about Him. He loves when we tell others about the things He has done in and through our lives.
Secondly, I firmly believe that our testimonies are a means through which God allows us to connect with others. Through our testimonies, we can encourage one another as we experience life. Our testimonies can also promote excitement about the stories God has given to us and others.
I used to believe that my testimony was boring. I have been a Christian my whole life. It wasn’t until someone shared a similar testimony that I began believing my story was important. There are others like me who may not have had a significant mountain top experience, a return to Jesus, or a miraculous healing. These stories are tremendous; they are powerful, and God uses them in incredible ways. I am not lessening these stories or experiences, but the point is this: we ALL have a story, and as the author of that story, God says it’s important.
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all.”
This passage from Acts 4:32-33 is an account from the early church. The early believers were often persecuted for their faith. They came together to worship, pray, and share stories of faith so that all gathered could be encouraged by what the Lord had done. The early church was a powerful example of testimonies at work. The gospel, or the good news, spread exponentially as people shared the story of the resurrection. Before long, people far and wide were hearing the good news of Jesus Christ.
Our testimonies are no different. Ultimately, the story we proclaim is our personal experience of Christ entering our lives; the story of when we were born again in Christ. To God be the glory for the things He has done! But how can God receive the glory due if we keep our stories to ourselves? Be encouraged by the early church and their zeal for sharing Jesus Christ with others. Even in the face of persecution, they did not stop proclaiming the good things that God had done in their lives. God is still moving and working today, and our stories are just as important. Don’t be afraid to encourage someone through the use of your testimony, or faith story. You might just leave an impact on their life that you never expected all because you had the courage to share your God-given, God-authored, and God-inspired story.
