The Power Of A Testimony

Yesterday, our Nicaraguan missions team met for an all-day training meeting. The first thing we did was pray, then we worked on writing and sharing our testimonies. Everyone wrote feverishly what they felt God had accomplished in them. Then, Pastor Al made everyone stand in front of the group, one at a time, and give their testimony.

Standing in front of a group of your peers isn’t easy. Sharing something from your heart, that means more to you than anyone can ever understand, and facing the reality that they might laugh at you, takes guts. I saw several take deep breaths to steady their nerves, a few shaking uncontrollably, and a few just couldn’t do it…so Pastor Al read it for them. But, the word got out…we have a testimony, and it’s going to get shared…somehow.

Revelation 12:11 says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” If you’ve ever shared your testimony with an indivudual or before a crowd, then you know how powerful it is…maybe not as much to the hearer as it is to you, the teller. It’s as if you’re reliving the moment God set you free from something that had you bound. The reality that you’re different now is incredible.

I have to say, yesterday’s testimony time was an incredible moment for me. I held back the tears that caught in my throat as I heard teenagers recount God’s goodness. I could literally feel my faith growing as they shared and overcame the urge to run from the room.

One thing I know for certain: God is going to do some great things in Nicaragua this summer! The power of the Lord was present in a great way as we took leaps of faith and pushed ourselves into an uncomfortable place so God can use us.