Going in Grace

Welcome to Going in Grace, a podcast where we go beyond simply understanding God's word. We explore how to live it out daily, making a meaningful impact in our lives and the lives of those around us. Let's tune in to this week's episode. While some people sit and watch YouTube videos about their favorite hobbies, I often can be found listening to people's testimonies. There is something so powerful about hearing the experiences of others and learning what God did to save, deliver, and heal them. I absolutely love listening to testimonies. In a matter of minutes, it has always opened my heart to God in a new and different way as I see his love for me through his love for another person. Today, we're sharing on the power of the testimony.

I'm glad you're tuning in because what we'll explore today has the potential to not only deepen your faith, but also impact the lives of those around you. Have you ever thought about how your personal story, your testimony can glorify God and inspire hope in others? Whether it's a story of deliverance, healing, or God's provision, every testimony is a light that shines in the darkness. Never despise your testimony, whatever it is.

I once heard a young person tell me, that they don't like to share their testimony because it's so simple. I said yes to Christ and I haven't been through a lot of stuff. I told them, you have the most beautiful testimony of all. Jesus has spared you the foolishness because you said yes. Tell people what he has helped you avoid. Scripture tells us just how powerful testimonies are. By the end of today's episode, I hope you'll feel encouraged to share yours.

When we share our testimonies, we are magnifying God's work in our lives. The Psalmist writes in Psalm 66:16, come and hear all you who fear God, and I will declare what he has done for my soul. Sharing what God has done is a direct act of worship. It acknowledges his hand in our lives and gives him the glory he deserves. Think about it. When we openly speak of God's faithfulness, we're showing the world that he is real.

He is powerful, he is loving, and he is active in our lives. One of the greatest examples of this is in the story of the apostle Paul. In Acts 22:6-16, Paul recounts his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. His testimony didn't just glorify God. It also became a tool to spread the gospel and inspire countless others to believe. Paul stood before everyone, from the everyday man and woman to kings, all with the word of his testimony.

Your testimony doesn't have to be as dramatic as Paul's to glorify God. It could be as simple as sharing how God provided for you in a time of need or how he gave you peace during a storm. Each story adds to the artwork of God's love and glory. The beauty of a testimony is that it can bring hope to someone who's struggling. Revelation 12:11 says "and they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives to the death." Notice that it says the word of their testimony. Your words have the power to overcome fear, doubt, and despair, not just for yourself, but for others too. When someone hears your story of how God intervened in your life, it plants a seed of hope in their heart. It reminds them that God is still performing miracles, extending grace and offering provision.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Your testimony is a way to pass on that comfort. It's a way to tell someone, if God did it for me, he can do it for you.

Revelation 19:10c says, that means the latter part of that scripture, "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." That means as we listen to one another's testimonies, it's like receiving a word regarding the future, because God is no respecter of persons. We see that in Acts 10:34.

You might be wondering, how do I even begin to share my testimony? Here are a few practical steps. First, be authentic. Share your story with honesty and humility. People relate to real, not perfect. Second, keep Christ at the center. Make sure your story highlights what God has done, not just your own journey. Finally, be mindful of your audience. Tailor your testimony to the situation and the people listening. If your audience is a bunch of children, you might want to hide some of the details, depending on what God brought you from.

Remember your testimony doesn't have to be long or elaborate. It just has to be heartfelt and Christ-centered. Be willing to share what God has done. It's the best way to say thank you. I want to leave you with this encouragement. Never underestimate the power of your story, whether it's big or small, dramatic or simple, your testimony is a tool God can use to bring glory to himself and hope to others.

If today's podcast inspired you, I challenge you to share your testimony with at least one person this week. You never know how your story could change someone's life. Until next week, be blessed.

You've been listening to Going in Grace. Be sure to visit us online at brandistover.com.