YOUR TESTIMONY
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.
1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)
What is your testimony?
If you were called on this Sunday at church to come up on stage, take the microphone, and share your testimony, could you do it? I know what you're thinking: that's a lot of pressure in front of a lot of people. I could never do that! Rest easy—none of the pastors will impromptu call you to the stage this week. It can be nerve-wracking to stand in front of so many and share so vulnerably. (We're always looking for people willing to do so, though!)
But are you even confident enough to share your testimony one-on-one? When was the last time you did? Can you articulate how the Gospel has transformed your life? We are called and compelled to share the Good News. Matthew 28:19-20 contains the Great Commission, a call to make disciples. Acts 1:8 promises that as we seek to do this that the Holy Spirit of God will empower us. Mercifully, we don't have to carry out this task in our own power—what a disaster that would be!
As we seek to celebrate who God is and what He has done, one of the best places to start is in your own life—sharing your story of transformation. You might not be able to differentiate between a major or minor prophet. You might not know what eschatology is. You might not have read through your whole Bible in a year (it gets tough somewhere around Numbers). But you can share your story. I think of the man born blind that we read about in John 9. He is repeatedly pressed for details about Jesus by the religious leaders. He confesses that he doesn't know everything, but he knows what his experience with Jesus was (see John 9:25).
So again, I ask—what is your testimony?
APPLICATION: Commit to sitting down and writing out your testimony. It can feel daunting at first, but this is a helpful exercise as you seek to grow in your ability to share your story. Consider these three lynchpin points: 1. Who you were before you met Christ 2. How you met Him, and 3. How He has transformed your life. Ask someone you know well if you can share it with them. From there, look for opportunities to share regularly!
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for how You've transformed my life. Help me to grow in confidence that You'll give me the words to share about Your grace and mercy. Help me to walk in Your Holy Spirit power as Your ambassador. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?