Quite often, people have a hard time talking about important things. We can discuss the weather, or talk about the latest blockbuster movie, but are those things really important? Married couples sometimes have trouble discussing finances, and children are often afraid to speak to a parent about some trouble they have. Is it the fear of being ridiculed or laughed at that stops us? It’s the same when it comes to talking to someone about why you are a Christian.
Are you afraid of losing a friend if you share your testimony? Do you think that you’ll be laughed at if you speak of Jesus as something more than a cuss word? Maybe you might think that your faults will hinder your testimony. We all have failures in life, but if you’re like me, you’re trying to turn away from the sin that hinders you. I’ve heard many testimonies in my life, and I can tell you right now that no Christian is perfect. We all have a story of how we came to full faith in Jesus.
I don’t think I have an exciting testimony. I was raised having no doubts about Jesus. When I was a child, I didn’t have deep answers to questions anybody might ask, but I had a solid foundation. At a very young age, I had a desire to please Jesus. Was I a perfect child? No, I wasn’t. Was I a perfect teenager? No, I wasn’t. Am I a perfect adult? No, I’m not. Still, my testimony can help encourage others.
There were many times that I wondered if I really was saved because I didn’t have an amazing testimony, but then I read the testimony of a well-known pastor, and his testimony was much like mine. What he said opened my eyes to the fact that we don’t have to go through drug addiction, alcoholism, gang membership, or Eastern Mysticism to have a testimony that can strengthen others. Tell your story and give God the glory!
As we study Scripture, we can see that only Jesus was perfect. When He chose the twelve men to be His closest disciples, we can see that He chose men who had imperfections. They also had strong characters and learned enough in only three years to spread the Gospel and establish the Christian faith. First, let’s take a look at Peter.
Who would have ever thought that he would be a pillar of faith? He spoke before thinking and leaped before looking. He said things that everybody was thinking but weren’t bold enough to say out loud. It was Peter who saw Jesus walking on water and wanted to walk with Him. The others saw Jesus and were amazed, but kept their silence.
Peter said, “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” (Matthew 14:28).
Jesus told Peter to come, and Peter actually walked on water. He had faith that he could walk to Jesus until he noticed the storm. That’s when he failed.
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30).
Instead of keeping his focus on Jesus, he saw the storm. How often do we trust Jesus until we see the storms around us? This testimony can help us to turn to Jesus during the storms in our own lives. Peter called out to Jesus, who saved him. We can chuckle at Peter’s failure, but Peter did step out in faith. He learned from his mistakes, and so must we learn from our own mistakes. It was Peter who first boldly proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ. When Jesus asked who people said He was, it was a general question. But then He got personal.
“And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ” (Mark 8:29).
It might have been easy for Peter to make that declaration because he was among like-minded friends and didn’t fear the consequences. If he had been standing in the middle of a group of Pharisees, would he have been so bold? Maybe that’s a good reason for us to have fellowship with like-minded believers rather than surround ourselves with non-believers.
At the final meal they all shared together, Peter swore that he would defend Jesus with his life, but Jesus knew better. “And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice” (Mark 14:30).
And it was true. Many of us are like Peter. We have great intentions, but soon hide our faith. “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus” (John 18:10).
Peter did boldly defend Jesus, but after that, he hid in fear and denied knowing Jesus. We all have fears in our walk with the Lord, but Jesus is always ready to call us back to Him.
There is no sin too great that Jesus won’t forgive. Peter never lost his status as a disciple, but he did lose his fellowship with our Lord. It wasn’t until after the resurrection that he listened to Jesus with all his heart when Jesus told him to feed the flock. Peter’s life was changed. His bold talk was now directed to bold truth rather than boasting. On the day of Pentecost, after being filled with the Holy Spirit, he was able to clearly speak the words of God, and many came to salvation. His life became a testimony not filled with fear, and his boldness had a purpose. Peter still had moments of failure, but because we know his testimony, we are strengthened in our own faith.
Do you ever doubt? Most Christians have gone through periods of questioning. That’s not a bad thing as long as you’re truly seeking truth, and not some “feel good” answer that says your sin is acceptable. Thomas was a disciple who had doubts and asked questions. When Jesus told the disciples that He was going away, He told them, “And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know” (John 14:4).
He expected them to understand, but they didn’t. It was Thomas who asked questions. “Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5).
Jesus gave him an answer that we must remember. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
If you have doubts as to whether all faiths go to heaven, or get sidetracked by some false teaching, remember these words. Only faith in Jesus will bring salvation.
Soon, Jesus was crucified. Thomas knew He was dead and buried. Like the others, he feared for his life. The disciples were gathered together in a locked room, but Thomas had not been with them. Three days had passed since Jesus was crucified. Peter and John had found the tomb empty, and that caused quite a stir. That night they had a lot to talk about, and fear ran high. Suddenly, Jesus entered the room. Can you imagine the emotions? Joy, astonishment, fear all at once. Jesus showed them the marks of His crucifixion, then breathed on them. He gave them the Holy Spirit, the promised Comforter. What a testimony these men had. When Thomas heard what they had experienced, he had doubts. You see, even close friends can question your testimony.
“The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).
Never think that Jesus doesn’t hear us when we speak. Eight days later, Jesus appeared to them again, and Thomas was there. “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27).
Now all of the disciples knew that Jesus Christ was risen from the dead and that He is Lord! Thomas had no more doubts. “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:28-29).
These men all had a testimony, and they shared it. They changed the world.
What about Judas? He had the same opportunities as the others, but used his experiences with Jesus for evil. Jesus knew Judas’ heart, but allowed Him to be a part of the disciples. Sadly, this fulfilled prophecy, but Jesus knew it had to happen just as it did. Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He had remorse, but wasn’t repentant.
“And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5).
Judas could have had a far different ending if he had allowed Jesus to change him. His testimony stands as an example of a false follower of Christ. We must always be aware of people who pretend to follow Christ, but their hearts are full of deceit and lies. We can learn from a bad testimony.
One of the greatest transformations was the Apostle Paul, also known as Saul. His life was full of hatred and murder. He had no love for Christians and thought he was serving God by persecuting people who had turned from the Jewish religion to the Christian faith. Jesus knew him, even in his sin, and knew he could and would change. It took dramatic circumstances to get Saul to recognize his need for Jesus. Saul had obtained permission to go to Damascus and arrest men and women for professing Christ for salvation. On the way, suddenly a bright light came from heaven.
“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutes thou me?” (Acts 9:4).
Remember, when you witness to someone and share your testimony, if they laugh and mock you, it’s Jesus they are mocking, not you. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).
It was Jesus whom Saul was persecuting, not the people. This experience changed Saul, and he is known as the Apostle Paul who became the best example of missionary work throughout the ages. His testimony is an example to all of us.
Many people found in Scripture have amazing testimonies. One was Mary Magdalene. She was one who followed Jesus. “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance” (Luke 8:2-3).
These women all had testimonies and services to give to Christ, but that place isn’t in leadership or the pulpit. Then there was the man born blind who was healed by Jesus, and then called before the Pharisees. His testimony was questioned, and his parents were brought in as witnesses. He stood firm on his testimony even though the Pharisees had lots of opinions about Jesus.
“He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25).
Read about ten lepers who met Jesus and cried out for mercy. “And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass that, as they went, they were cleansed” (Luke 17:14).
Jesus answered their prayer, but only one said thank you. I’d like to know more about the man who was possessed by demons in the country of the Gadarenes. This man had a legion of demons possessing him, and Jesus cast them out and allowed them to possess some swine. The man who had been healed wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus had a mission for him.
“Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19). The man obeyed and shared his testimony.
How about you? What has Jesus done for you? Is your testimony a simple statement of faith that you know to be true, or do you have a miraculous conversion story? Each is important, and you need to share what Jesus has done for you. Read through the Gospels and learn about each person who was touched by Jesus. There are many; I’ve only scratched the surface here. Then take a look at your own testimony. Do you have friends who could benefit from hearing it? Write it down if you need to and read it over. Jesus loves you enough to rescue you from eternal death, so you are important in His eyes. Share your story with others. The end of all time is approaching quickly, and your testimony may bring someone to salvation before it’s too late.
God bless you all,
Nathele Graham
Recommended prophecy sites:
All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.
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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).