Last month I shared a post that spoke about our stories, and how those stories give voice to who we have become. When I have thought about today's post it brings me back to the importance of having a working testimony, and how preparation will have been key when the opportunity presents itself. Truthfully, there are people who need to hear how you have gotten to where you are today. They are desperately in need of saving. Jesus alone saves, but our testimonies connect us to Jesus and hope.
In preparing my testimony I asked myself specific questions, and from those answers I was able to develop a working plan. What follows is how I started.
Has your salvation brought you understanding? Wisdom? Changed how you think? A testimony speaks of a life that has been transformed, and that transformation comes as a result of a personal relationship with Jesus. Like any relationship you are shaped by who you spend time with, and Jesus is the plum line for what we think and do. Simply put, He is the measure that we use.
Prior to salvation it is all about us, but after salvation our destiny comes into view in Christ. Prior to salvation I was not aware of my sin, as I equated good with being godly. After salvation I realized what a sinner I was, even though by the worlds standard I was ok. After salvation we become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!
My early life was seeped in religion. It was comfortable and reliable, and it was what I knew from a very young age. However, religion lacks meaning when it stands alone, but relationship with Jesus is what brings meaning to religion.
Jesus asks us to believe in Him and His word by faith, and we can do this when we trust the relationship we have found in Him. I believe we all have an innate desire for relationship that God has put in us, first for Him and then for others.
Did I need saving? Was I really as bad as the person who committed horrific crimes? Was my sin even in the same category?
But..
What kind of lethal injury did I do with my tongue? Did I neglect to help and give comfort, and did I rebuke and mock when I could have loved? I did all of these things and more when I turned away and thought I was better than someone else.
Did I need saving? Absolutely!
My journey began over 20 years ago. I learned to worship God with song and prayer. During this time my personal journey has been to learn and experience as much as I can through my relationship with the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I guarantee you it has not been disappointing.
My testimony speaks of going from a shallow understanding of God to an extraordinary relationship with Jesus and meeting the Holy Spirit. After writing this last sentence I know that it is what I will use when I begin to share my story of redemption, and from here I have full confidence that the Holy Spirit will guide me the rest of the way.
John 3:3 NIV Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
Isaiah 41:10 NLT Don't be afraid for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.