God’s Purpose in Your Testimony
Do you ever wonder what the purpose is for why you are going through a tough, stressful, or depressing season? What could be so significant about this moment and why is God allowing me to go through this? Where is He? Well I’m here to remind you that God uses all things for good. Even the low, messy part of our lives can be used for His glory. There is a purpose behind the pain. There is purpose in your testimony.
What is a testimony?
Google states that a testimony is “a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.” Another definition states “evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.”
Let’s use the court of law as an example. As a witness, you are placed under oath to attest to your own knowledge and experience with reference to the case that is being heard. A witness is not a witness if they do not have the courage to testify to take the stand and give their testimony.
Ladies, WE are witnesses to a crazy, disappointing world. The world has put God on trial. The world wants to disprove His existence, His goodness, His mercy, and His love for us. As Christians, we are God’s representatives in this courtroom of life. And God uses what we go through, all the bad, for His glory. Not to break or embarrass us, or to hold us down. That’s the enemy’s plan. But God wants us to use what we went through, and what He brought us through.
A testimony is a praise report of all that God has done for us. It’s not limited to just how we came to Christ. It’s how Christ has delivered us from evil, and from every chain that we have ever been bound to.
The Purpose In Your Testimony
1. The First Purpose is to Give God the Glory of the Blessings We Now Enjoy
God does not need or require our testimony in order to be God. But the first purpose of our testimony is to give Him all the glory for the blessings that we are enjoying. It is a thankful response in reverence, it’s praise for our God. All throughout the Bible, especially in Psalms, we are told that our testimonies give God praise and glory.
‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.’ – Psalms 22:22, NLT
‘singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders.’ – Psalms 26:7, NLT
‘Then I will proclaim your justice, and I will praise you all day long.’ – Psalms 35:28, NLT
‘Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.’ – Psalms 107:1-2, NLT
‘They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.’ – Psalms 145:11, NLT
2. Second, the Purpose is That God Wants Us To Relate To and Edify Others
The second purpose behind our testimony is to edify and encourage others. We are given the opportunity to inform others of the ability and power of God to deliver on His promises in order to encourage others to trust in Him and His Word.
Read Mark chapter 5 where Jesus exercised authority over demons.
So…
instead of the man going with Christ, Christ told him to stay where he was at and minister to everyone around him about the good works that God has done for him and how wonderful God is.
The more that we are able to talk about our past hurdles and mistakes, the more we can relate to other people. We are not perfect people. No one is perfect. It is very easy in this day and age of Facebook and Instagram to look as perfect and put together as possible. While you’re sharing that post or picture, your house is in a mess, your dinner is burnt, your kids are screaming, and you and your husband are arguing.
But if we can get past trying to look perfect and actually be willing to share some of that nitty gritty that we’ve gone through and overcome, we can help other people feel like they are not alone. And we can reach people in that place. Maybe someone is going through a similar situation that you’ve been through yourself and because of Christ, you overcame. Why should we hold back providing that hope to others?
Our testimony is not about us.
We are just the vessel.
Our testimony is about God and what He can do.
Never feel as though your testimony is too small or that you feel unqualified or less than to be able to help others.
Hebrews 13:20 says ‘Now may the God of peace – who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood – may he equip you with all you need for doing his will.’
Romans 8:28 also says ‘And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.’
