Power of a Testimony

Pan-African University in Ghana, West Africa

They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. – Galatians 1:23-24

During my time in Ghana I discovered the importance of testimony.  I had always known that one's testimony has power, but in a developed world where knowledge is power and your arguments must be supported by well-documented scientific research, the simple testimony seems to have lost its significance.  We feel we must present a well laid-out presentation of what we believe and why in order for it to truly mean something.  Although this is important and there are certainly many people in this world who desire and need a more "academic" approach, there are just as many who will be touched by your story.  Nothing fancy, just you telling what God has done in and through you.  Consider how God used the testimonies of two men in the New Testament to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

Many people, because they had heard that [Jesus] had performed this sign, went out to meet Him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!” – John 12:18-19

In this passage the "sign" they talk about is Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  What a testimony!  And you know what I find even more awesome than that?  It's the lack of action on Lazarus' part.  Many times we think our testimony has to be about what we've done or what we've accomplished because of the Lord.  Here is a man the Pharisees are conspiring to kill along with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ because he did nothing!  Lazarus' whole testimony is about what Jesus did for him when he could do nothing for himself.  Now that's a testimony that inspires.

Then consider Paul:

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it . . . They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me.  – Galatians 1:13, 23-24

Your testimony, your story, can have eternal impact in the lives of those around you.  Reading Scripture or testimonies of famous, historical individuals is awesome, but we can easily distance ourselves from them.  We think Well, that happened to them, but I'm not that significant.  Why would God come through like for me?  Your story could be what someone needs to hear to give them hope.  It shows that God cares for and loves every person equally and desires to move and bless on their behalf. 

Don't be ashamed of your testimony.  Don't hold back because you think it sounds too subjective or you think it's not big enough.  God gave you that testimony just like He gave Paul and Lazarus their testimonies.  It's a gift to be used for His glory.  A gift to bring life, hope, and joy to those around you.  Be the light in a dark world.

They triumphed over him
   by the blood of the Lamb
   and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
   as to shrink from death.

– Revelation 12:11

Where's the joy?

What has happened to all your joy? - Galatians 4:15a

A few weeks ago I returned from an incredible, life-changing trip to Ghana, West Africa.  While there I saw many things I had never seen before:  orphan children, people sleeping on streets without even a cardboard box to soften the concrete, malnourished children and adults . . . and pure, unadulterated joy.

Everything else I had prepared for, but not the joy.  As I sat and played with children who were orphaned, dirty, were wearing torn cloths, and a giant smile on their face I was astonished.  Part of me asked Do they know how bad their situation is?  Do they realize how little they have?  Watching this I couldn't help but consider how many American children live.  They have TVs, video games, movies, toys, iPods, every latest gadget, and yet most are miserable.

I began to realize these children had the "secret."  They had learned what Paul taught:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.- Philippians 4:12-13

While there I was incredibly convicted of how much stuff I have, but that I lack something crucial - joy.  Praise God that He is the Provider of joy:

You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.  1 Thessalonians 1:6


Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. - 1 Peter 1:8 

We are filled with an inexpressible joy when we believe in God and come to know Him more.  As we read about and experience His never-ending, all-consuming love for us we stand in awe and are filled with joy over our God who loves us and sent His Son to die that we might be saved!

This is my sincere prayer for you - that God would open your eyes to the magnitude of His love for you.  That you would begin to see that this love will never change, whether you have much or have little.  May God fill you with the inexpressible joy that can only come from Him.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.- Romans 15:13