Why is our testimony so important? Because there is Power in it.
REVELATION 12:11
“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”
There is more than one place where we have been broken, I am pretty sure you have gone through things that you don’t even know how you got out of...and many situations where you couldn’t see a natural exit or the way out...or perhaps you’re still in a situation you see no way out...
In the last few days God placed this scripture in my heart. Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” As I was meditating on this scripture, I found in it a very valuable treasure and I want to share it with you!
Let’s break it down.
“And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony.” Who is “him”? Throughout the scripture we know that there is an accuser, (the enemy of our souls referred to as Satan whose only goal according to the Bible is to kill, steal and destroy). We also know there is a Savior (Jesus Christ who the Bible tells us came to give us abundant life). It is also clear that we must share our testimony with boldness, and this is where we are able to find victory. Even when we’re talking about salvation the Bible says in Romans 10:9 that we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths. There is something powerful about our spoken word. God is all-powerful and he used his spoken word to speak the world into existence, so imagine as His children, created in His image, the power He has given us in our spoken word....No wonder abusers are all about trying to keep their victims quiet! This is the same thing the biggest abuser (Satan) tries to do- he tries to keep us quiet to not share our testimony!
You and I have been given words to speak- simply speaking out what God has done for us, or the difference he’s made in our lives is our "testimony”. And even if you don;t think your testimony is relevant or will make a difference, we want to encourage you to step out in faith and share it with someone . Remember, the Bible says this is our key to overcoming, our key to victory! Don’t let the “accuser of the brethern” convince you that your story doesn’t matter- do not let him convince you to keep silent.
No, No, No- your voice matters!!!
I would also like to mention that many of us could feel very ashamed of our past or the circumstances of our testimony... sharing our testimony requires us to be vulnerable before others and expose where we’ve been broken and hurt. It requires us to admit that we are not perfect or perhaps that even our innocence has been stolen. Do you agree?
But in spite of this, our main goal with this is to bring encouragement and healing to your soul. There is Hope and there is Victory through Jesus!
We find great comfort in knowing that we can make mistakes, but God never makes mistakes. He is “the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). For those of you who were in or are in an abusive situation, I know, like us, you will probably find comfort in knowing that God remains constantly the same. He is not predictably unpredictable like your abuser... no He is a constant, steady source of strength..He is always, loving, always forgiving, always fighting for us! He is always giving us second chances and if we ask Him- he will fill in the gaps where we are lacking.
Let’s stop to realize, if he has brought you this far, preserved your life and pulled you out of the darkness, maybe rescued you from a dangerous situation, He will never stop delivering you, but you have to be willing to receive His help. Perhaps you have had an encounter with the Father or the son Jesus- then you have a testimony to offer to the world or share with your neighbor or friend and help them to overcome as you did. Will you allow God to use your testimony to bring light and hope to them?
Please don’t be quiet about who has really saved you, you have been redeemed, you are a new creation as we read in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come.” This doesn’t mean you’re perfect, we all mess up, but it does mean that through the shed blood of Jesus you are a new creation washed new and made clean and blameless in His sight...no matter what has happened in your past. Thank you Jesus!!! And remember, if you allow Him, he will continue to renew your mind and make you more like Him. After all we are all created in God’s image. We are His image bearers so let’s start sharing our testimonies- the mess- ups and all - and how He has redeemed us out of the mess-ups!
And remember, you are not that place where you have been broken, you are not a victim of your circumstances! You can heal and thrive in Jesus Christ, you have been washed by the blood of the spotless Lamb. Remember Jesus said “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly!” (John 10:10). Will you receive the abundant life that he is offering to everyone here on earth?
Sharing your testimony brings Glory to the father. Your pain can always be turned into a life purpose, and yes in spite of many losses and tears, I can assure you that He will always take those “ashes” and makes “beauty” from it as we read in Isaiah 61:3 ” to provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a mantle of praise instead of a spirit of despair." "Then people will call them "Oaks of Righteousness", "The Planting of the LORD", in order to display his splendor. God promises to take us from despair to splendor!
However, we need to be aware that we have an enemy, who is called Satan. He always comes to steal, kill and destroy. Remember John 10:10 says “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” We are victorious in him, Jesus who has conquered death.
And remember in order to have access to abundant life requires us to be willing to surrender our wounds to him to start a process of healing- YES -God has healing for you just because you are called his child- but we have to receive these gifts he freely offers us. So let me encourage you by our experience that he is more than able and willing to heal every wound in you. We love the verse that says “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord, “because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares,” Have you ever felt like an outcast? Have you felt like no one cares? We surely have and we’ve experience Jesus ministering to our wounds. One of our favorite verses while healing has been “Though my anxieties are many, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19).
We hope you have felt encouraged today and we would love to hear your testimony and know how you have been lifted up today by the word of God. Don’t hesitate to send us an email, and/or leave it in the comments if you want to inspire others. Will you please share what verse has God used to encourage you the most?
Remember that God loves you and that every part of you that has been broken can be healed and restored in the name of Jesus.
All glory to God - we pray God’s richest blessings over you all! And please- if you have never entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ- we would love to share more with you- please reach out!
“Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)
With Love,
Sarah’s Gourmet Pretzels
