Word of the Week - Testimony (God Story)
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. - Rev 12:11
In my March 2nd and March 9th “Word of the Weeks” I shared on “Sowing and Reaping” and “Ministry”, see below. We serve a God of multiplication who desires for us to be force multipliers in reproducing what He has done in us. This can sound big and overwhelming, but it’s fairly straight forward. It comes down to us taking the blessing and gifts that God has given us and sharing them with others in the name of Jesus. This is Ministry and how God uses us to multiply and build His Kingdom on earth.
Our Testimony is one of most important components of our ministry. I had the opportunity to share my Testimony “God Story” last week at an FCCI event I co-hosted for a group of faith driven CEO’s / Business Owners at Pursell Farms, see pics attached. We had a great time together and God did a good work in each of us who attended. From this experience, I was once again reminded that sharing our Testimony is one of the most powerful ways we minister and sow seeds into God’s Kingdom. Thus, I feel prompted to share this “Word of the Week” to challenge us all to look for opportunities to share our “God Story” (Testimony).
Testimony" is translated from the Greek word martyria, which means "evidence." But not just any evidence. To put it simply, your Testimony is your God story, which includes the pain you've been through on the way to where you are today. Every believer has a Testimony and even though they can be very different from person to person, they all matter and should be used to testify to what God has done in our lives.
Power of our Testimony – It is quite profound what God outlines in Revelations 12:1 for victory in life, the blood of Christ through the Cross and the word of our Testimony. I love hearing personal Testimonies/stories because it renews and reinforces my faith and allows me to get to know the person sharing their testimony at a deeper level. Sharing a personal Testimony typically gives you a look into the heart of a person and how God is working in their lives. No matter how dramatic or simple an authentic Testimony it is always impactful because God is the star of the story. Of course, most of us tend to think that our Testimony/story is not as exciting or interesting as others so we shy away from sharing it; or we may be sensitive to being politically correct and concerned that we may offend others by sharing our God story. This is a lie and plays right into the plan of the enemy, to keep us quiet and ineffective. The bottom line is that God has anointed every believer with a personal Testimony, and we should look for every opportunity to tell people our God story. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
Sharing our God Story – As followers of Christ, we are called to share our Testimony with others. We are not necessarily called to convert people, that is really left up to God and the Holy Spirit. Our part is to simply look for opportunities to share our God story with others in a loving and respectful way as noted in 1 Peter 3:15. It important to be authentic, humble and God honoring. I can assure you that this pleases our Father in heaven and plants seeds of faith that will be harvested at the right time. If others come to know Jesus through our Testimony is not up to us, but being willing to share our God Story is our choice. In sharing we can certainly encourage others in their walk of faith and help in the journey towards faith in Christ.
The elements of a good Testimony/God Story – The primary objective of your Testimony is a clear presentation of your faith and what led you to faith in 3 basic pieces:
Before I knew Christ – What my life was like before I accepted Christ. Use an attention getting first sentence. Describe it in a way that communicates well to non-believers (don’t use religious terminology). What did my life revolve around? What did I get my security and happiness from? How did those things let me down and come up empty?
How I came to know Christ – How and when did I realize that I was lost and had an issue of sin in my life? How did I hear the good news in a way I could receive it? What compelled me to faith? What happened when I made my decision of faith and surrendered my lift to Jesus?
After I received Christ – What are the specific things that have changed in my life such as attitudes, actions, and relationships, since I became a Christ follower. Try to include personal and relatable illustrations and examples such as how it impacted your marriage, family, and/or business. Share how understanding God’s grace and forgiveness impacted your perspective on your life and others. Why I am motivated differently. How my faith has served me in every area of my life and the encouraging journey I have been on through the ups and downs of life and why it matters.
Note: It is best to have 3 versions of your testimony: 1) A five minute elevator version that can be given in a short exchange, 2) A 10-15 minutes version that is bit more expansive but still short and to the point, 3) A 30-45 minute version that incorporates more detail and tangible examples of how God has worked and is working in your life.
We benefit from sharing our Testimony - Whether you are a business leader, pastor, mom, or student, there is tremendous power in your testimony and when you share it with others it not only blesses the Lord and others but it has many benefits to you such as: 1) Connecting you in a deeper relationship with others, 2) reminding you of your past and keeping you aware of where you came from and accountable to not falling back into the sins of the past, and 3) building our faith and giving us hope for the future. We are reminded of how much God loves us and what He has done and is doing in our lives. It blesses us and others when we share our personal God story with others.
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” 2 Timothy 1:8-12
Challenge Questions: When was the last time you shared your testimony with someone? Do you look for opportunities to share your Testimony with others? Have you spent time thinking through your testimony and are you ready to share it with others on short notice? I challenge you to pray for who God is leading you to share your testimony with and commit to sharing it with them this week!!!
Let’s sow the good seed of our Testimony into others this week in the name of Jesus and see the what God does!