The Power of a Testimony

"Would you be willing to share your testimony?"

That question can bring many different emotions to a person.  For the extrovert (like myself), this question can bring excitement.  The opportunity to talk to and be around other people, why thank you.  For the introvert, this question might bring fear.  The thought of getting up in front of other people and being vulnerable and speaking... oh my goodness!

In the realm of Christianity, this question is seen mostly as dealing with how a person became a Christian.  Many people think of the outline: "before Christ, how I came to Christ, and what life has been like since I came to Christ."  While that is a testimony, any act of God in our lives is grounds for a testimony.  It might be how God got you through a hard time, brought healing to your body, or answered a prayer.

It always makes me shake my head when I hear a person asked to share a testimony about how God has worked in their life and they shy away.  I understand that it is not the most comfortable spot to be in front of others and speak (isn't the fear of public speaking one of the greatest fears of man?).  I love Peter's words in 1 Peter 3:15 - "Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."

Revelation 12:11 says, "They conquered [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death."  This verse should give every Christian boldness.  We see that our testimony is a powerful tool.

Some believe that they do not have a "great" testimony.  They do not have a past that is filled with wild living, substance abuse, or other "gross sins."  As one who has had some of that in my past, I want to say that those things do not make a testimony "great."  Revelation 12:11 shows what makes a testimony great - the blood of the Lamb.  It is the blood of Jesus Christ applied to a life that makes it great.  It is the blood of the Lamb that forgives sins and makes us new.  Too many times we focus so much on the "past" that we miss the miracle of any testimony - Jesus' work.

If you have trusted Jesus and had His sacrifice applied to your life, then you have a Revelation 12:11 testimony.  It is one that overcomes.  It is one that people all around you are longing to hear about.  I would encourage you today to share the amazing things that God has done in your life with someone.  You might be surprised at just how many people share your "past" and need your "present."