Telling your story too!
This past Sunday we were blessed by the testimonies of men from the nearby Village of Hope – “a drug and alcohol regeneration facility and ten-month Christian-based program dedicated to helping men of all ages overcome life controlling drug and alcohol problems…” The Village of Hope is located in a beautiful natural setting along the North Branch of the Oromocto River of central New Brunswick, Canada. It offers an “immersive program” designed to regenerate young men “spiritually, emotionally and physically.” During their stay residents are also aided in “establishing a good work ethic, learning employment skills, experiencing inner healing, and rebuilding broken family relationships.” You can view a video of testimony excerpts of some of these men at the Village of Hope Website.
These were indeed inspiring testimonies of victory made possible only through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ at work in the fully surrendered heart of all who will submit to Him. You have probably heard similar stories, and we rejoice to hear each one.
You have probably also heard it said that every believer’s testimony is important… uplifting… indeed miraculous! You may be familiar with the directive of Peter: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Pet. 3:15). Yet perhaps your own story seems nothing dramatic. Perhaps you have difficulty imagining why you should share your story at all.
Today I’d like to give you five reasons even the most mundane testimony should be shared. I may have presented these once before, but if so they are well worth repeating..
The “Boring” Testimony — Who would want to hear it?
Let me tell you who…
- a believer who does have a more dramatic salvation experience but needs to know that even so-called ‘good’ people need Jesus!…
- a believer with a similar background to yours and who may be beginning to have doubts that they are even saved because they did not have a dramatic experience!…
- other ‘good’ people who think their goodness is enough!…
- Christ Himself! For He has said “If I am lifted up I will draw all men to myself” (John 12:32) and your testimony, like anyone else’s, lifts up and exalts the Name of Jesus Christ!…
- you yourself for as you will find, any time you proclaim your own testimony you strengthen your own faith, you stand on the truth and promises of God, and you are strengthened in your own spirit!
If God sends someone your way and opens the door of opportunity for you to share your testimony you should most certainly step through it and tell the story that is yours. I believe these moments are God-ordained moments. God brings into your path just that sort of person who needs to hear just that sort of story that is your testimony.
Be confident. Do not be ‘ashamed’ of your testimony because you feel it is not dramatic! Make these words of Paul your own: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Rom.1:16). Tell your story too!
More tomorrow…
To hear this past Sunday’s message, go to the Facebook page of Lincoln Baptist Church, or link to the livestream from the church website.
thebrokenrunner 