–Testimonies Strengthen Our Faith
When God’s angel informed Mary about God’s virgin birth plan, the angel also told her that Elizabeth, her “too old to conceive” relative was pregnant. The testimony preceded Mary’s “yes” to God’s desire or plan. I believe the angel intentionally shared the testimony with Mary to strengthen her faith. Most likely, the goal was to let her know that God was still doing the impossible and someone close to her is living proof.
“Luke 1:34-37 (NLT) says:
Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.
What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
There is something powerful about hearing testimonies from people we know or someone in our lifetime. It reminds us that God is still a miracle-working God, and we can trust His Word. It encourages us in moments of discouragement.
When we share testimonies of God’s goodness with others, we strengthen their faith and invite them to partake of God’s goodness.
Do you have a testimony? Please share it with someone today.
You may be thinking, I have nothing to share. Consider your relationship with God. Having a relationship with the creator of the universe is the greatest testimony of all. Would you please share it with someone today?
“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:34-37 KJV”
Jesus and John’s disciples
Luke 7:20-23 (NLT) says:
John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'” At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.”
John knew Jesus was the Messiah (Matthew 3:13-16), yet, he asked Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” John’s situation challenged his faith. He was in prison, and his life was at stake. The Messiah did not rescue him the way he expected. It shook his faith.
Sometimes, life’s situations can cause us to doubt God’s goodness, question His existence, or wonder if God’s Word is true. We expect God to help us a certain way, but He does not always do things our way (Isaiah 55:8-9). Yet, we must learn to trust God.
Jesus’ response to John’s question shows us that testimonies can help us overcome doubts about God. Jesus said, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard”. So, what have you seen or heard about Jesus? What has He done for you? Take a moment and read about the miracles of Jesus or reflect on the good things God has done for you and people close to you.
Listening to testimonies, reading about God’s mighty works in the Bible and reflecting on God’s wonders in our lives can help us overcome doubt and strengthen our faith.
“When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Luke 7:20-23 KJV”
My Book Of Testimonies
In 2016, I started penning down testimonies of God’s goodness and faithfulness in my family.
I have written about getting a job offer despite showing up 20 minutes late for my interview because I somehow got lost. My interview location was five minutes away from home. Still, I spent almost 20 minutes looking for the location, and I kept calling the wrong number to inform my interviewer about the situation.
God’s favour got me the job.
I have written about God’s divine healing and provision. Numerous times God intervened in His mercy and came through for my household in ways that our limited human knowledge could not have planned out.
While writing testimonies and reflecting on them, I see how great God is, how much of a master planner He is, and His faithfulness to direct our paths when we acknowledge Him in ALL our ways (Proverbs 3:6).
“While writing testimonies and reflecting on them, I see how great God is, how much of a master planner He is, and His faithfulness to direct our paths when we acknowledge Him in ALL our ways (Proverbs 3:6).
“I can also picture my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other children down my generation reading about God’s goodness in the family”.
Judges 2:10 (NLT) says, “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.”
Writing testimonies is one way to leave a legacy that testifies God’s love and goodness and reminds my family that a miracle-working God exists. It would make it difficult for them to be deceived into thinking miracles no longer happen. They would see reasons to serve my God, trust Him and seek God for themselves.
Today, I invite you to start writing testimonies of God’s goodness in your life or verbally share them. Also, consider asking your loved ones to do the same thing.
“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Judges 2:10 KJV”
(Culled from Christian Mommas on YouVersion)
