In today’s church, testimonies have come to mean an inclusive and relevant aspect in our order of service.
One does not need a title in church to be a testifier, no. Whether a pastor, a minister, a theologian, a missionary, a teacher, a prophet, or a member, testifying about the faithfulness of God is an integral part of service.
The word “testimony,” derives from the Hebrew word, which means to “do again.” A proof that God is not a “one off” self-existing king. No, He is in the business of doing it again and again. What He does for one, He does for all and He is never weary in doing good.
Simply put, testimony is retelling the goodness of God to people. It is one way of showing gratitude, humility, loyalty, and acknowledgment to God.
The Bible in John 9, tells the story of Jesus healing a man who was blind since the day he was born. It was one notable miracle that announced itself to people in different locations.
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Subscribe NowSome Pharisees who heard the miracle Jesus did were angry, this is because Jesus healed the blind man on a Sabbath day. According to the Jewish law, healing on the Sabbath day is a sin against the law that is punishable.
In their quest to uphold their laws, the healed blind man was brought in for questioning. However, upon interrogation, the healed blind man replied to them saying “One thing I know: once I was blind but now I can see.”
These above words are not just grammatical expressions. They are a power packed testimony that is capable of strengthening the faith of the testifier and minister to the non-believers.
The Pharisees were probing the healed man in order to find reasons to convict Christ of a crime, but instead, the healed man’s testimony preached a message of Christ’s unlimited love and sacrifice that isn’t conditioned by the laws of man.
Testimonies are very significant to the Christian faith, they are enough to win souls, build a failing faith and resuscitate a dying soul in ways that words may not justifiably express.
In 1 Samuel 17:37, David won the battle with Goliath that he was yet to fight, this he did through his testimony of God’s deliverance.
“The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”
What a way of reassuring oneself of the power in God? Even though the circumstances surrounding him was fear evoking, he never relented from proclaiming the goodness of God.
Reasons why you should share your testimonies.
- Testimony is an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving. When we share our encounters and experiences of God’s faithfulness, we are simply registering our thanksgiving and gratitude to God. Daniel 4:2
“It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me.” This is Daniel declaring that it is good to showcase God’s goodness. Testifying is one way of showcasing God’s goodness.
- God is glorified in our testimonies.
Matthew 10:32
“So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven”
Yes, in all truth, when we testify of God’s goodness, we remove ourselves or man’s effort from the scene in acknowledgement of God’s power. God is glorified.
Our testimonies imply that by strength shall no man prevail.
- Testimony is a proof of God’s mighty act.
There is no better evidence to show the world God’s great and mighty acts than our testimonies. When we are healed of our diseases, saved from a ghastly motor accident or a fatal domestic accident, favoured with a job in a most controversial circumstance, blessed with the fruit of the womb or shown mercy, in any way God proves Himself to us, we can only repay Him by testifying of His wondrous acts.
- Testimony is one way of witnessing for Christ.
“Mark 5:19
And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.”
Luke 8:39
“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.”
When we testify of God’s faithfulness, we are directly ministering to the lost, heart broken or forsaken that there’s hope in calvary. Have you tried reaching out to a lost soul or preaching to someone who has never had a relationship with God? You have tried several ways in simplifying the gospel but nothing seems to be working? Okay, can you consider changing your strategy to sharing your real life testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life? Testimony is capable of redeeming, reviving and reclaiming a lost soul.
- Testimonies are evidence of God’s love.
In a world where love has been materialised, mesmerised and messed up, people go through life daily feeling abandoned and rejected. When our testimonies of God’s unending works in our lives are shared, these people find love, hope, strength and courage to live. In our mouths are tales of our true life experiences of God’s relentless love.
- Testimonies are building blocks for faith and hope in God.
When testimonies are shared, faith and hope is renewed. There are people who regained life through a believer’s testimony.
- When we share our testimonies, we are telling God that we are not taking His goodness and mercy for granted.
Psalm 107:2
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble”
- Testimonies are stamps on our victory.
When we testify, God is pleased to perfect that which He had already begun in our lives. A child who is always grateful and proud of his parent’s gifts by showcasing it to his friends will always receive gifts. But a child who is never grateful or appreciative will rarely receive gifts. In the same vein, a testifying believer is God’s favourite and would always be blessed by God.
- Our testimonies are weapons of warfare.
Revelation 12:11
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
Our testimonies are powerful weaponry. They are tools to bring down walls of obstacles and take hold of territories. If there is an existing fear or tension over any situation, the moment we testify even without the perfection of our expectations, we have overcome. This is because the devil is rattled and thrown off balance when we testify of God’s goodness.
Testimonies are a relevant part of our Christian faith. However, it is a sin to make up stories, lie or exaggerate just to testify.
