The Power of Testimony

There are many things that I know to be true about myself. I know where I excel and the creative things that come naturally. There are other things that I know about myself – where I stumble and struggle – the move too fast, speak too fast, do too much. 

I know the reality that someone who knew me in a different phase of life might not believe that I am writing about being Affirmed in Christ. 

To the doubter, myself included I say:  “Yet not I, but through Christ in me.”

There is so much power in our testimony. Recently, I have felt completely helpless and desperately broken as one of my children endured a hospitalization. I prayed and cried and pleaded and begged the Lord. There were moments of peace and relief and moments of fear that were terrifyingly traumatic. 

I was overjoyed when we were on the road to recovery. The night nurse came in and looked at the Bible verses we had taped up on the wall. He asked, “How did you pick the scriptures that you all put up?” I told him, “Some were scriptures my child had memorized, one was specific to the situation and even one of the papers posted was their personal prayer.” He looked at the scriptures and then at my child and then he said “That’s so awesome. Keep these up on the wall!” 

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The medical staff were already amazed at the healing occurring right before their eyes. And they readily commented on how calm we seemed as parents. But the scriptures and prayers on the wall took the focus of this testimony off of us and on to the Lord.

That is the power of testimony. While the details of this story are truly beautiful, I do not have enough space to try to convey the rollercoaster of fear, worry and doubt in my mind that crept between the praying and pleading. My state was unsteady. BUT GOD!

When the situation is too heavy for your heart to hold, when your tears are choked between gasping for air and screaming – that’s where God is! The testimony is that God is unchanging. The testimony is that God is matchless in remaining steady and steadfast. 

His love, His character endures through every battle, every thought, everything. THAT is the power of our testimony – that our God is greater, higher, and more.

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1, ESV