Ok b’ys, last week I gave a short testimony in church, I’m not a big pubic speaker, and I don’t like sharing things about me, so when I was asked to give a testimony my first thought was no way! But then I thought about how encouraging and powerful they are, and how they’re not about me, but about what Jesus is doing in/through me. At first I was going to talk about how God is calling me into missions with the World Race next year, but then I realized He wanted me to talk about what He has been teaching me lately. And so I did, and here it is:
God has been showing me that I don’t rely on Him like I should, that I try and carry everything on my own. God has been teaching me -again- that I need to daily come before Him, and not just to die to myself, giving Him my hopes and desires, but also my burdens. My strength and power come from Him. But it’s been very recently that this has become heart as well as head knowledge.
Since at least jr. high I’ve felt I need to be strong for those around me, and for me that also meant not showing my weaknesses. But you can only get so far on your own strength. God has been working in these past couple years, showing me that I don’t have to always be strong and to let my community in, and it’s been amazing! Most recently though God has been teaching me to find my strength in Him instead of me, to lean on Him, and give Him my burdens.
I know how important my time with God is, that I need it daily, but sometimes I allow daily life to crowd it out. And then I end up trying to carry everything myself, without the help of others or God. A couple of weeks ago I was on the bus and realized how worn out I felt, how weak and exhausted I was. But then I started thinking about spiritual truths, like I AM a child of the King! I have a living hope! So why am I living like everyone else, I should be a light, not blending in! Just look who my Dad is, the great provider! I shall NOT want! So I started to think where is my focus then? Obviously, and all too often, not on Him –and that’s where useless things come in, taking away my saltyness and filling me with junk instead of God. And I NEED to be filled with God and His word, because if not then what am I being filled with? Nothing good. For only God is good.
Isaiah [40] tells us God doesn’t grow weary or faint, and that He renews our strength, and gives us power. I need God daily, to surrender everything to Him. I pray that you will be encouraged by this, and that you and I really will let Jesus be the Lord of our lives, the difference is amazing, and more than worth it!
love an cheers, nicole
