“And they overcame [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (Revelation 12:11).
Testimonies are powerful, so powerful that the Word declares that our testimony of Christ covering us with his blood overcomes the devil and any authority in which he kept us imprisoned in sin. In celebrating freedom at church this past Sunday where many shared their testimonies, I recalled my own “re-birthday” that happened three and half years ago. God’s love overwhelmed me as memories flooded my heart. Here’s (an abridged version of) the story of my life in Christ …
High school. Grades. Sports. Boys. Parties. Sex. Alcohol. Simply put, those were the priorities in my life. I created an identity around them. In fact I maintained two identities: the goody-goody who had all the adults fooled and the liar who always worked out a scheme to get to the party. I filled the void with everything the world offered but nothing satisfied. I felt empty regardless of the pleasures and indulgences.
Senior prom. The administration found booze stashed on our party bus. They suspended me and close friends for five days. Our coach disqualified us from the varsity team during soccer playoffs. My boyfriend and prom date dumped me halfway through the suspension week. I received counseling for alcohol and drug issues to avoid a longer suspension. To put it briefly, my identity was shattered. Everything I placed importance in crumbled around me. Nothing worldly survived and everything I ever knew melted away. It was my breaking point that shook every foundation. I watched as friends continued on drinking and partying despite enduring the same suspension and embarrassment. Everything had to change. I was desperate for wholeness and life.
College. The Lord surrounded me with amazing women on fire for Him. They challenged my worldly mindsets. I was captivated by Jesus’ love and compassion and accepted new abundant life in Christ. He set me free from alcohol and unhealthy relationships. I stand upon the truth that I’m valued as a daughter of the King!
God redeemed me after twenty years of living in the darkness, of striving to meet a standard that can’t be met without the cross and the magnificent blood shed upon it. I jumped into Jesus’ embrace and what joy he’s led me to in the three years since!
He’s abundant life. And he overcame so that we can overcome. We do so by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. So share of your life redeemed by Jesus, brothers and sisters, because all of you are overcomers!
