Growing up as a pastor’s daughter I have sat through numerous testimonial services. In fact, the day I made the decision to accept Christ into my heart was after listening to one. A testimony has the power to reach people in places that sermons, worship services, or anything else can't. There is just something about hearing someone's story with their raw memories spilling out, and when their rescue finally came. There is really nothing quite like it. Unfortunately, though, I believe that something has been changed in our life stories we tell today, if we even share them at all.
Many Christians today when asked to share their testimony, already have a word for word story that immediately comes to mind that they have been telling for years. A summary of every big thing that has happened in their life, and how God has gotten them through it. We’ve all heard those testimonies that have a big “BANG.” When someone is slipping so far into sin that the redemption process seems too far gone, when suddenly a traumatic experience happens and their whole life changes. Those are the types that are heard. While those stories are great and usually heart wrenching, why is that? Does that mean that those who have walked beside the Father their whole life don’t have a significant story to be heard? Lots of times, if our story is considered “average” we feel as if it isn’t going to reach anyone. I have heard the same thing time and time again, “My story won’t impact anyone; everyone has been through the same things.” But that’s exactly the thing. If what you’ve gone through can be reached by one person, to just have that one connection, then you’re doing your part. Your life doesn’t have to be from a TV show in order to have an effect on someone’s life, you don’t have to have fireworks. Hardly anyone’s life does, and that’s what gives hope.
You don’t have to be at the “top” to share your story, and you don’t have reach “rock bottom.” Every story God has planned and created is beautiful in their own way. Every decision and mistake you have made in your life have lead you to where you are today. There is someone out there who is going through the same thing that you have already been through. It may be the checkout lady at Wal-Mart, it could be the guy who sits two seats behind you in history class, or it could even be your very best friend.
Your life is your testimony. It’s not the words you say, but the way you reflect where you’ve been and where you are now. It’s the desire that you have to strive to seek the Father. It’s not about what we’ve done, but what was done for us on an old rugged cross. Don’t be ashamed to tell your story, because you don’t think it’s interesting enough. To the one who matters, it's perfect. It’s the story of when you came home.
"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." -Psalms 66:16
