The Power Of Your Testimony (Part 2)

Your testimony can have a powerful impact on the lives of other people and there is incredible power in sharing your story.  When you share the story of God's work in your life you are sharing your testimony and that's exactly what God expects from you.  You don't have to be a Biblical scholar to be a witness.  You only have to be willing to share the story of what God did in your life.

When Jesus encountered and ministered to people they would in turn share their story of what Jesus did.  When he healed the blind man, the blind man simply reported that all he knew was that "I was blind, and now I can see!" (John 9:25).  When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, she reported to others "come and meet a man who told me everything I ever did!  Can this be the Messiah?" (John 4:29).

In this post I want to share with you four strategies for you to have a powerful testimony that will impact the lives of others.

1.  Do Good

It's really that simple.  Galatians 6:10 tells us "whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone."  It's simple, but it isn't always easy.  Doing good requires you to be unafraid of what others may or may not say.  You can't worry about the crowds when it comes to your testimony.  God calls us to do good, but we have to realize that we can't do it in our own ability. We must rely on God to help us.

2.  Keep Your Focus On The Cross

It's unfortunate, but there are many Christians who like to share their "horror stories" about what

they were like before they came to Christ.  It's almost as if they were bragging on their sins.  Even though their life before Christ is important to their story, the most important part is what Christ has done for them.  So whenever you share your story, the focus needs to be on what Jesus did, not on what you did.  That's why Paul said in Galatians 6:14 "God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord."  The more we focus on the cross the less we focus on the stuff that weighs us down.

3.  Realize You Are A Changed Person

Galatians 6:15-16 tells us we are a changed person. If you want to have a powerful testimony, and if you want to have confidence to share your story, then you have to realize you are not the same person you were before.  Those who become Christians are not the same anymore.  The old life is gone and a new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Your testimony is more effective when you realize you are not the same person you use to be.

4.  Be Willing To Take The Hits And Wear The Scars

Paul readily admitted "from now on, don't let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus." (Galatians 6:17).  Paul was willing to take the hits, both literally and figuratively, and still live for God's purpose.  Paul was willing to do whatever it took as long as it meant he could live for Christ.

Your story can be a powerful impact on others.  It's time you share it.

-- Pastor Temple