The power of testimonies
A broad definition of ‘testimony’ is an open declaration made by a witness. However in a Christian context a testimony more closely focuses on how you have met Jesus, and the difference He has made in your life.
Your testimony is your story. It is unique and can be taken by no one else. Whether you are a new, born-again Christian or have been raised in a Christian household, your testimony can powerfully defend the Christian faith. Apologetics is the discipline dedicated to defending the Christian faith and while many may be Apologists by profession and maintain apologetics as their main ministry, every Christian is called to be an apologist by sharing their testimony. See John 9:18-33 for a blind man’s testimony, pointing to Jesus as the son of God.
“He replied, Whether he [Jesus] is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25)
Every testimony shared should cover three themes like in Paul’s radical testimony before the Jewish tribunal in Acts 21:40 - 22:29. And with these three themes, I share my testimony.
1. AWARENESS | You are aware of your need for Jesus
Before Paul was a follower of Jesus, he was an enemy of Jesus. He was infamous for persecuting and murdering Christians under the false belief that it pleased God (Acts 22:3-5). Like Paul, many Christians have come from far and varied walks of life. Yet until the lost person is awakened to the seriousness of their sin, they will not seek Christ.
“Throughout the early years of high school, my immediate family was battling through financial and marital-related hardship. Heavy lies and broken hearts weighed upon my family and this deeply affected me. Having been raised in a Christian family, I struggled to comprehend all the unfolding mishaps. I attended Sunday school as a child, and prayed before I slept. How could this happen to me? As I sought advice and comfort from close faith-filled relatives, friends and the Church, I realised that I needed to establish my own relationship with Jesus. Who is He to me? In the midst of my family ordeal I saw my need for hope, love and fulfilment in Christ just as it was promised in His Holy Word. ”
2. ENCOUNTER | You share how you came to know Christ
The conversion of Paul from persecutor to follower was radical indeed. He encountered God in a radical yet personal way on the road towards Damascus (Acts 22: 6-7). Jesus spoke to him, gave him direction and a personal assignment (Acts 22:10). Ananias, a Jewish brother and believer in Christ, was used by God to guide Paul into this new Way. This was the same Way that Paul had imprisoned people for following (Acts 22:4). Not every Christian’s encounter with Christ mirrors Pauls. It may be seemingly mundane, even boring*. Instead, meeting Jesus may have been gradual, over many years, or currently happening still. There may not have been a bright, blinding light. Nevertheless, your testimony is the greatest defence you have.
* ‘My Boring Christian Testimony’ by Megan Hill https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/december/how-i-know-my-testimony-is-real.html
“My personal pursuit of knowing who Jesus was and is today sparked my relationship with Him. I love reading and so I sought Christian books from Koorong, worship songs, faith-based online articles and movies like ‘War Room’, ‘The Passion of the Christ’ or ‘The Case for Christ’. I attended Christian conferences, camps and spent time reading the Bible wanting to understand it. I was so fortunate to have mature Christian leaders and friends who invited and guided me through this time of affliction. I met Jesus gradually, like a sun rising and setting throughout the day. I opened up to Him in prayer and in journal writings and found the hope, love and fulfilment I longed for. ”
3. DIFFERENCE | You reveal what difference knowing Jesus has made in your life
Paul was sent on a new mission; no longer an imprisoner or terroriser of Christians. His purpose after meeting Jesus was to “be His witness to all people of what [Paul had] seen and heard” (Acts 22:15). Paul’s heart and mind were transformed. This is what happens when you meet and establish a personal relationship with Jesus. Like in Paul’s context there may be people who overlook or even dismiss your testimony (Acts 22:22), but in the same way there will be people who listen and see the Jesus you live for.
“In Year 10, I started to change and am admittedly changing still by the grace of God. The way I see people, how I treat them and how I spend my time is radically different to how I was before meeting Jesus. I delight in reading the Bible, going to Church and helping people so much that I’ve pursued it as a career in nursing. I know my identity in Christ, the value and love He has for me and am full of thankfulness to Him for dying and saving me. While the story of how I met Jesus was my first testimony, even today he continues to work in my life and I am a witness, testifying of his good works.”
Prayer
Dear Heavenly father,
Thank You for who You are and for making me unique. Thank You that You have given me a story to share, and the words to do so. I pray that You would show me opportunities to tell people my testimony. Help me to see the power of my testimony, and overcome any fear that hinders me from sharing it.
In Your holy and precious name,
Amen.