Mike’s drug addiction landed him on the streets for seven years. He was able to get a weekly shower thanks to a program through his local rescue mission. Often the volunteers from the mission, many themselves recovering addicts, offered to pray for him. He found himself going back to the mission not just for the handouts, but for the love and acceptance he received. His family had long lost hope in him. On the streets, there was no one who truly cared whether he lived or died.
After several years, through the leading of a mission volunteer, Mike prayed and asked Jesus to take control of his life. After going through a recovery program, Mike was back on the streets. But this time, he was leading others caught in addiction and difficult circumstances to hot meals, showers, and prayer. 
Mike’s life now demonstrates a new mantra: to live is to give. Rather than hide his past, he humbly shares his story in order to help others. He doesn’t boast about where he’s been or what he’s done. He boasts only about how God saved him.
Revelation 12:11 says the enemy is overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. The word “testimony” simply means to tell your personal experience of how you came to know Christ and ways He has changed your life.
Friends, there is absolutely nothing Satan can do about the blood of Jesus that covers our sin when we give our lives to Him.
- The blood of Jesus means our salvation is a done deal.
- The blood of Jesus reflects God’s mercy to humanity.
But don’t underestimate the many tactics the enemy will use to shut down the potential impact of your personal testimony. Why?
- Your testimony is YOUR story of God’s mercy.
- Your testimony conveys that God is personal.
- Your testimony says if He can save you, He can save anyone.
- When you share your testimony, you are partnering with Christ as an agent of mercy.
- Sharing your testimony propels spiritual growth by moving beyond yourself toward the goal of helping another.
- Your testimony has the same power that rose Jesus from the dead!
Can you see why the enemy wants to keep us silent?
You are an original. No one has the exact testimony as you. This means you will reach people that I could never reach. What happens if you are silent?
Like Mike, each of us has a testimony and should be ready to help another who is weaker, in need of compassion, or seeking answers.
How to Prepare to Share
- Write down your testimony.
- Update your testimony every few years (or more).
- Include Scriptures and key people, events, dates, songs etc.
- Ask God to bring people in your life that need to hear your testimony.
- Ask God for the courage to share and protection from the evil one.
Do you remember what Jesus said is the “greatest commandment?”
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31
To love God is to love others. To love others is to share what the Lord has done for you.
Don’t allow fear or shame or anything to keep you from sharing.
What can you do to prepare to share your testimony? Has the Lord brought someone to mind you can share with?
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“If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” 1Peter 3:15
Beckie – what a great reminder how powerful a testimony can be.
– it’s YOUR story.
– it’s personal between you and God!
– it gives the hope of salvation.
– it make you a partner in Christ.
– it helps others.
– it’s powerful.
Thanks for showing us how to use it for His Glory.
Del
Del, I’m glad you found this helpful. I’m writing for myself too.
“If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15
There is a universal key that works for everyone, in all situations, it’s a request:
— Help, Lord Jesus!
Carlos, indeed! The Father hears our cries for help.
Thanks for commenting.
Also in good situations, we need your guidance.
“You are an original. No one has the exact testimony as you. This means you will reach people that I could never reach. What happens if you are silent?”
We must never be silent, Beckie, but testify to His incredible and unfailing love!
We have Danny’s mother staying with us for now after a week she spent in the hospital. Not looking good, and would really appreciate your prayers for her, and for us as we deal with this change. As you will see tomorrow, I’ve given up my blog for the time being. The only reason I can even respond here is because she is sleeping; when awake, it is constantly, though gratefully, fulfilling her needs. “Honor your father and your mother takes on an entirely new meaning . . .
Love and blessings to you!
Martha, Oh, my sweet friend. I’m praying for you, Danny and his mother.
Lord, give Martha and Danny an extra measure of your strength and the fruit of your Spirit. Replenish them and bring others to help and pray. Put your loving arms around Danny’s mother.
In the name of Jesus.
Amen! Love this, Beckie. No one can argue with the power of our God-story. I once was lost, but now I’m found. And I once was blind, but now I see. May we tell about God’s grace and mercy finding us and rescuing us!
Karen, thanks. I pray that we are too grateful for God’s grace poured out on us not to share with others.
Beckie, Sometimes, sharing our testimony is one of the hardest challenges because it is so personal. Yet, it brings honor to God when we share what He has done for us. Thanks for sharing this message. It inspires me to have courage, to not be afraid. If God is with us, who can be against us?
Katherine, I know it’s scary to share about our personal testimony. As you know, our God is personal. I think this is part of what makes our testimony so powerful.
I’m so glad this was an encouragement to you.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. May the Lord bless and guide you as you share your story with others.
Blessings to you and yours!
You have encouraged me to go about writing down my testimony (which I never actually have!) and sharing it. Thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m blessed to know you were encouraged to write down your testimony and look for ways (and people) to share it.
I’m praying for you!
I am so glad you will take the time to write down your testimony. It has helped me a lot.
Blessings to you as you shine your light to others!
This is why I publish Living Real Magazine! Real people telling their stories of what faith looks like with skin on it. It’s the stories of God’s faithfulness in our lives that reach into the lives of others. Story alone is powerful, but God’s power in our stories is beyond any power we can comprehend. Never underestimate what God will do with the telling of your story – how He will grow you, speak to hearts, and further His kingdom. Being willing to tell my story has taken me on the adventure of a lifetime, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Thanks for sharing, Becky.
Melanie, thanks for sharing about Living Real Magazine. Here is the link in case anyone wants to check it out: http://livingrealmag.com/about/
Blessings to you, as you continue to shine your light!