Faith, at its core, is about COMPLETE TRUST. The book of Hebrews beautifully describes faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This deep, abiding trust becomes a fundamental facet of our walk with God.
Let’s turn to Psalm 71:15-21, a heartfelt cry of the psalmist who expresses reliance on God:
"Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress."
"You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth."
This powerful scripture serves as a reminder that sharing our journey, complete with its ups and downs, is vital. Your TESTimony becomes a testimony that speaks volumes about God’s character and His unending grace.
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Why Your TESTimony Matters
1. Tells Your Why
A personal testimony articulates your reasons for believing. It tells others what God has done in your life and how He has shaped your understanding, instilling a strong foundation for your faith.
2. Evidence of the Heart
When you share your story, it is not merely words; it is an expression of a changed heart. This authenticity resonates with others and becomes a vessel for God’s truth.
3. Encourages Others
Your story may resonate with someone going through similar trials. It serves as a shining light of hope, illustrating that they, too, can find strength in adversity.
4. Strengthens Your Own Faith
As you recount God’s faithfulness in your life, you strengthen your faith. In storytelling, you remind yourself of His goodness, renewing your trust and hope.
5. Guides Hope
By sharing your testimony, you point others toward the source of your hope—God Himself. Your journey can inspire someone to begin or renew their relationship with Christ.
“A TESTimony is your story of trials and triumphs that points to God for God’s Glory and man’s good.”
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The Reality of Testing
It is crucial to understand that the term TESTimony carries an inherent meaning—the word "test" is embedded within it. Just as gold must be tested to prove its purity, so too will our faith undergo testing.
Faith does not denote a lack of pain and suffering; rather, it signifies a confirmation of what we believe to be true. It is a journey taken in partnership with God, allowing others to witness the authenticity of our belief. Indeed, our tests anchor our faith, revealing our deep-seated need for God.
We are called to Go - Show - Share - Shine. Our faith is meant to be lived out alongside others in community. We ought to be accessible—going where we need to go, showing the truth of God, sharing generously, and shining brightly for His glory.
As we read in 1 Peter 3:15, we are reminded:
"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it."
Here, we learn the importance of being prepared to share our hope in Christ at any moment. The Message translation emphasizes staying alert and ready to speak with courtesy about our faith.
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Your TESTimony Points to God
Phillip was directed by an angel to go and share the meaning of Isaiah with the treasurer. His obedience to share his experience and understanding ultimately brought transformation.
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Why Trust Matters
In our faith journeys, trust is vital. Trusting God leads to truth, helps us withstand testing, builds confidence, and enriches our faith. Hebrews 10:23-25 underscores:
"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."
We come to faith as we are, without needing to have all the answers. The process of cleaning ourselves up belongs to God.
Faith requires challenges, for without them, it cannot be labeled as faith but rather the absence of trustworthiness. As 2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us:
"Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."
We trust because we base our faith on an unseen pillar that calls us to rely fully on God’s love and provision.
Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis writes about faith as believing something without fully seeing it. He explains, “When someone ‘takes something on faith,’ they are, in essence, believing something without seeing it.”
Wesley encapsulates this idea, defining faith as divine evidence of things not seen. Each story we share becomes a tangible glimpse into God’s invisible world.
Consider the life of John Paton, a missionary who faced considerable trials yet leaned on God’s promises. After losing his wife and child, he persevered among hostile islanders, embodying complete trust in God throughout his mission work. His inability to find a word for "trust" in the islanders' language led him to illustrate faith by demonstrating what it means to "lean your whole weight" upon God—this became foundational for his translation efforts.
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Conclusion: Leaning on God
Are you convinced enough to lean upon God, entirely entrusting Him with your life? Are you ready to Go, Show, Share, and Shine your testimony? As you navigate life's challenges, remember that your TESTimony holds incredible power.
In closing, let us remind ourselves of God’s grace and love, and how He calls us to share our faith joyfully with others.
Closing Hymn: Amazing Grace
Prayer for God to give you a testimony:
Heavenly Father, thank you for helping us to trust you in every TEST. Help us to know you more deeply and to draw ever closer to You. May we always seek to share the hope we have found in You with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
