Yesturday I was reminded of something super important- how valuable our testimonies are. Everyday on our 45 minute bus ride from ministry, we have testi time (short for testimony or our team name is Testify). We have taken turns the last week and a half sharing our testimonies with our team. It has been quite the bonding experience learning my teammates life stories and powerful learning experiences that have served as a platform to make them who they are today. It’s amazing getting to know people on a deeper level. It’s inspiring seeing what they’ve walked through and how they’ve grown as people! I love sharing my story because it gives so much insight to others about who I am- they get to see me in a new light.
But, the most powerful part, I think, about sharing testimonies is how it can relate to and impact others. There’s so much of Jesus in that! I’m always learning more about testimonie and it’s so cool seeing God reveal things through them… that’s what he did today.
A guy named Kevin came with us to our ministry today. He and his wife have been checking out many of AIM’s bases around the world to see which would be the best fit to be apart of as a long term missionary. So cool what God is doing with this! Not to mention, for the one day we got to spend with him, he spoke so much life into us through his testimony. He has so much wisdom!
One thing he spoke over us was 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” The power has been granted to us, his people. We are the ones he created in His image. He has called us to his own glory and excellence. We are called to live in a life of righteousnes. This also showed me something new and inspiring. We are given the power to walk in honor, we don’t need to ask for it. Instead of saying ”God, help me love this person!“ we can say “God thank you for the love you have for me and have given me to love others. Because of this love you have placed within me, I will choose to live this out and love this person well!” Love this.
As Kevin shared his testimony, he identified with this foundation of truth as the Holy Spirit gave him the tools he needed to beat the sin; he just had to use them. He has learned that the idea of sin can easily be warped by the enemy and bring shame and guilt. He has personally felt this; so have I. He once saw things as wrong or right… he now sees things as life or death. This is another cool perspective.
When you are dwelling in sin, it can bring death to your relationships around you and even to your realationship woth God. The enemy comes to rip apart our identities and bring darkness. But, when you are walking with Christ and allowing his discernment to guide you to life or death, you’ll allow Christ to work in your heart and SO MUCH LIFE IS GIVEN! The desires of your heart begins to align with his and the sin becomes nothing of attraction. So powerful!
I feel as if I have learned something new! I’ve gained new understanding about loving people requardless of “right or wrong.” Instead of judging, I’ll encourage, encourage others to choose life!!!! Choose joy! Choose confidence in the way Christ has made them! Choose to love boldly. As I walk this out in my own life, I will remember Christ chose me to be with him through the gift of the Holy Spirit. When I see myself biting from Him, I will turn back to life.
