Testimony: The Power of What God Has Done
The entertainer Max Bygraves sung “I Wanna Tell You A Story”. We each have a story to tell (or sing if you prefer). Our testimonies of what God has done are snippets of our life stories, speaking of God’s grace, mercy, and faithfulness. May we let the world see God’s glory and His story through the narrative of our everyday lives. We may be the only Bible that those around us read.
The early church understood testimony’s importance. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The believer’s testimony isn’t rooted in eloquence or persuasive rhetoric but in authenticity of lived experience. Each life Christ touches becomes a ‘living letter’, testifying of the Saviour who transforms hearts. Augustine of Hippo reflected, “God had one Son on earth without sin, but never one Christian without sin.” Even in our imperfections, our testimony points to Christ’s perfect work in us.
Apostle John reminds believers that, in spiritual warfare, their testimony triumphs: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony ...” (Revelation 12:11) By declaring what God has done in our lives - how He delivered us from despair, healed our hearts, or provided in times of need - we confront the darkness and invite others to see the light.
C. S. Lewis observed, “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” Our testimony is rooted in this truth: it is not our merit but God’s mercy that compels us to share. Recounting God’s faithfulness, we offer hope to the weary and direction to the lost. Every testimony becomes a bridge - connecting our struggles with God’s success, and our failures with His forgiveness.
Sharing our testimony is both pastoral and evangelistic. In a conversation with a friend, a co-worker, or even a stranger, recounting God’s work in our lives can plant seeds that the Spirit waters - “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16) Speaking openly of God’s faithfulness, we honour Him and open doors for others to encounter His grace.
Where in your story is God’s faithfulness revealed? Ponder it, pray over it, and look for a moment to share it. Your ordinary testimony may be an extraordinary lifeline thrown out to someone who needs to see Christ’s love in that very moment. Your story matters because you and others matter to God. “Do not be ashamed to testify to Christ, for in speaking of Him you bear witness to eternal truth.” (John Chrysostom)
Your story is a declaration of God’s glory, a beacon of hope, and a tool for salvation. Speak boldly, live authentically, and watch God multiply His mercy beyond measure.
Revd Michael Hogg