*Disclaimer: I usually like to blog about something that has to do with the Race, but this one isn’t exactly about what I’m doing or what I have learned this month. However, it is something God has been bringing up in my spirit. It’s fun to change things up a bit, anyways.
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Testimonies are important, you probably know that if you’re a Christian. They encourage and uplift old and new believers alike, and can bring more people to know Jesus. But, what if you feel like your testimony isn’t enough? Maybe you ask yourself, “will this benefit anyone?” If you’re like me, then you’ve done this. But, ya know what? Whether your testimony is full of crazy stories and a radical life change, or it’s simple and sweet, your testimony is still just that: a testimony of how wonderful God has been in your life.
I grew up a ‘good girl.’ Except for a few times in middle school when I might have said some cuss words (even I would be shocked to hear the words I spoke in front of my locker.) Or that time in high school that I stole something (shout out to that traffic cone in 10th grade), or gotten into a movie theater illegally (ever hidden in the trunk to get into the drive-in? No, just me?) Even these things are minuscule when I think of all the other things I could have been doing.
I never went to the crazy parties. The idea of getting drunk was 1. Not appealing to me. Potentially throwing up all night, and that hangover stuff the next day? No, thank you. And 2. I had pretty high moral standards in comparison to others my age. I still do, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I didn’t try any drugs, or smoke any cigarettes. Again, not appealing to me, and again, moral standards.
Now, please don’t take the ‘high moral standards’ thing and think that I am calling you immoral or a heathen if you have ever done these things. Personally, I think it’s freaking awesome when God can take someone with a past like that and change their life completely with his overwhelming love. Those kinds of testimonies are some of my favorites to hear.
I always thought that my testimony wasn’t important enough to share with people because I’ve never done anything ‘really bad.’ I was born into a Christian family and raised in church my whole life, accepting Jesus at a young age. I had a good moral outlook on life, I knew what was wrong and what was right, and I didn’t engage in the wrong.
I remember a time in high school that I sat down to write out my testimony. I was practicing in case I had to share it on this week-long missions trip I was taking to Baltimore. I remember thinking as I wrote, “this isn’t enough, this isn’t really a testimony, I don’t exactly have a testimony.” I think it was because I had always thought you only had a testimony if you lived a sinful life and then came to Jesus, or even if you didn’t live a sinful life, but you came to Jesus later in life instead of being raised Christian. I’ve heard similar thoughts from other Christians who claim to have grown up like a ‘good girl’ or ‘good boy.’
This thinking is wrong though, because all believers everywhere have a testimony. And the Bible tells us that, “they overcame him by the blood of the lamb, and the word of their testimony,” Revelations 12:11. We overcome the enemy with two things, 1. The blood of Jesus. And 2. Our testimony. Literally, Jesus defeats Satan, and so do our testimonies! Are you getting this? This gets me so excited! I mean come on! We have the power to defeat evil with our testimony. How amazing is that? Your testimony is important, my testimony is important, all testimonies are important.
I know I have struggled, even on the Race, with thinking ‘is my testimony really enough?’ Thinking that I’m ‘too innocent’ when I hear where some of my squad mates have come from. But, if you would say you are like me, that your life reflects innocence of the things of this world, please hear me: that is not a bad thing.
It is a very wonderful, beautiful thing to be able to say that you live in a world full of temptations, but you remained pure in every way. It took me a long time to really understand that, and to be proud of it. But, that’s one of the greatest things about my life. My testimony is a testament to others that it is possible to live a pure life, and that it is possible to follow good morals, and it is possible to say no when everyone around you is saying yes.
So, whether you’ve always been the ‘good girl’ or ‘good boy,’ don’t be ashamed of it, be proud of it. It is a good thing, and it is worth sharing. In every opportunity you have to share your testimony, do it. People need to hear it.
Much love to you, dear friend,
Hope
I am still in the fundraising process. I am in need of $3,145, and $1,384 is due by May 1. If you can, please donate to my mission! Donations are tax-deductible, and are so greatly appreciated! Thank you for your prayers and for your support to keep me on the Race. You can donate by clicking “Donate” at the top of my blog page.
