‘Your story is the key that can unlock someone else’s prison.’ – John Hagee
As Christ followers, we all have a story. A story that has power, made up of two chapters. One that tells of where we were before knowing him, the second which tells of where he has brought us in relationship with him. Every one dynamically different, some dramatic and extreme, others subtle, more so a rounding of rough edges. Whatever the case may be, it is undoubtedly a story to be told.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit and listen to the testimonies of a group of individuals. What an experience! Uplifting, faith building, and awe inspiring. I left our time together hopefilled, and comforted in His power, just by learning the personal transformations of those close to me. The Bible is powerful, and necessary to our everyday life, but at times I find myself thinking, God…do you still work like this now, in 2016? Sitting in a room with these beautiful everyday people answered that question with a big fat, YES!!!
Mark 5:19
But Jesus said, No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.
I have been a Christ follower for nearly 12 years, until several years ago, I struggled with the sharing of where I have been and what my reality was before knowing him. I didn’t want people to know my trials, hurts, and imperfections. I just wanted to start fresh with a clean slate and move on from there. With time, God convicted me of this attitude through sermons I heard, songs we sang, and scriptures I read.
Psalm 22:22
I will praise you to all my brothers; I will stand up before the congregation and testify of the wonderful things you have done.
Psalm 66:16
Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.
Psalm 35:28
My tongue will declare your righteousness and praise you all day long.
Daniel 4:2
I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me.
Words telling us not to keep our mouths shut, rather to declare his works- TESTIFY! Let the world know our God is alive and still at work today! A command that out of disobedience I tried to ignore.
To my surprise the first time I shared my testimony, the woman I spoke to was thankful to know she was not alone in her situation and uplifted to know the work God is capable of. She was relieved, and I felt a weight lifted, one that I never even knew was there. At that point, I understood the need to share his work in my life. He truely can use our imperfections to direct someone to His perfection.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 states:
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do
There was comfort the day I shared my testimony, and there has been anytime since then when I have had the opportunity to share him with others. His word is true. We seek comfort, we need comfort, we are called to be that comfort to each other.
I encourage you today to boldly proclaim the work he has done in your life. Embrace your testimony, and share his goodness no matter how significant or insignificant you think it may be, someone somewhere needs to hear it, AND you need to tell it.
If you stand where I was with doubt as to whether your story is worth telling, I urge you to seek Him, read his word and pray that God will open your eyes, and show you his desire for you to use his work. When the opportunity presents itself (which it will) for you to proclaim his goodness…don’t shy away and hide the beauty of your past brokenness, own it, honor him, testify. Allow your story to be that key to another’s prison…Choose Him.