Covered in Testimony
Can You Share It in 100 Words or Less?
100 words or less…
Are you able to share your testimony in 100 words or less?
Thinking back on becoming a Christian, falling away, and repenting when God called me… There are so many twists and turns, I'm not sure I can. So much went into that time in my life, how can I single parts out without taking away from the gravity of the change that God made in my heart?
I have written it down, but even for myself, it was a bit overwhelming. New portions I’d remember would need to be added in. It possibly could be its own short novel. The thought of sharing that time in my life felt terrifying at first, but with the Holy Spirit on my side, He gave me the courage and timing to share as He called me to.
Still, it should be rehearsed and ready to go, right? 1 Peter 3:15 says that we should be prepared to give an account to anyone who asks.
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." ~1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
That’s when a book I’ve been reading flung the door wide open. In his book Organic Outreach For Ordinary People, Kevin G. Harney opened the door that I had only been peeking through. He advises on evangelism, how it should overflow naturally as our faith is a natural, authentic part of our lives. Asking permission, keeping testimonies brief, and even the revelation that we have many testimonies.
Okay, okay, you may already know that. Perhaps I did, and it didn’t hit me like a ton of bricks until just now. I mean, all the times we were asked if we had a testimony to share in church should have been a dead giveaway.
How did I get narrow-minded to think that every time I heard, “Who would like to share their testimony,” I would think about only my putting faith in Jesus or the repentance I had gone through?
Simply put, I don’t know. The wires were crossed somewhere between schooling, having kids, and sitting in the office right now.
Isn’t that one of Satan’s tactics, though? He comes in and slowly covers over things we’ve always known, like condensation on a windshield. We’re on the right road, but we can’t see it clearly, so we wipe off just enough with the sleeve of our shirt to see through. Once the defroster really kicks into gear, the condensation is gone, and God shows us the whole view of the road again. He reminds us that we are covered in testimony every single day. He is working in our lives each moment, and those moments are a cause to testify about!
Harney also gives a challenge to keep your testimony brief. Can you share it in 100 words or less?
Here we go:
Anger, confusion, and anxiety flooded my mind yesterday. I was just about in tears. I took off to the bedroom to pray, where I cried out to God for help. As I walked around the house afterward, I could feel Him leading me through the darkness. Reminding me of verses, of His love… Helping me see logic over emotion. Reminding me of how Jesus was tempted after His 40-day fast. I wasn’t being tempted near to the point of Jesus, but the reminder brought me comfort and peace. He led me through every step of the way.
How has God worked in your life recently? Are you up to the 100 words or less challenge?