Blog Post
Posted by Jeffrey Smith November 24th, 2015 2,440 Views 0 Comments
Philemon verses 6-7: I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
One of my favorite things to do in this life is to share, and hear how the Lord is moving in the lives of others. Everyone has a story about How Jesus Christ has transformed their lives. I can recall the testimony of many of my friends. In times of struggle in a particular area in life, I often think about the testimony of others.
Not all of us have testimonies of miraculous healings, but I have experienced it first hand on several occasions. I know when I see people who struggle in that area, I can rely on that testimony for faith, regardless of how dire the situation looks. I know of a couple who sold their house because God asked them to, and now they live in a property that is beyond what they had imagined. There were circumstances that took place that only God could have ordained.
I know of people who were down to their last dollar, and on the verge of bankruptcy, and miraculously they were given contracts for their business overnight. Not everyone has a testimony about housing, but I know one if that comes up in my life or the lives of others.
I have met a man who was passed through the education system who couldn't read. He was too embarrassed to say something, and he continued to pray. He was afraid of never getting a job. He had a keen eye, and supernaturally knew how to operate a camera, and spent years as a cameraman for the largest sports related network. He can now read better than ever.
You see, we may not all have testimonies in every area of need, but when we hear about how God is moving in the lives of others, we can be encouraged about asking for those things in our lives as the need arises.
I know of a good friend who kept experiencing trouble with mechanical components in his house, and he laid hands on his HVAC system, and it started to work again. I know people who struggled deeply in their marriage, and the wife prayed every night, and while there were rough nights, her husband always came home. Now they are closer than ever. He was not a Christian, and because of her prayers, he loves the Lord. I know a man who turned his back on the Lord after some really bad things happened at the church he was attending. Thirteen years after he left, due to endless prayers from his spouse, the Lord came to him at his office. His whole office shook, and the Holy Spirit talked with him directly, asking him to come back in relationship with Him. After my friend argued with the Lord, the Lord continued to surround him and pursue him until he sat in his office and wept. Today he is retired and an amazing missionary. He plants businesses in Africa with his wife.
No matter what you're facing today, there is someone who has faced it before you. Look to surround yourself with people who will share their testimony. Hear how God is moving in the lives of others, and be quick to share your faith with others. We never know the full understanding of all of the good things we have in Christ until someone can point to an area you hadn't thought of. Likewise, if you have a testimony that will encourage others to experience the same in their life, wouldn't it be worth the time to share it?
If you have a testimony, no matter how small or large you think it is, I want to hear it. Please share yours with me, and others to be full of faith as we press forward in this life. The best way to stay refreshed in this life is to know and understand the fullness of all the good things that we have in Christ Jesus.