And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…
(Rev 12:11)
When I was young I spent a lot of time in church. As a matter of fact, all different kinds of churches. Let me explain. My mother’s, mother was Baptist, my father’s, mother is Pentecostal and as a family, we went to a non-denominational church while I attended a catholic school. So needless to say, I know church pretty well. Out of all of these churches the thing I would hate the most was the Pentecostal’s “testimony service”. For those of you who may not know what this is, this is a time during the church service an opportunity is given to everyone to get up and sing a song or tell everyone what God is doing in their life (testify). This was torture to me. It seemed as though it lasted forever! As a kid listening to different people just talk and talk, was so boring and I didn’t understand it. But now as an adult, I see how important this is. Just follow me for a moment. The bible says:
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
(Pro 18:21)
We have the power to speak life or death into someone’s life. Have you ever been going through a situation and you went to get some advice from a friend and after you explained your situation your friend said 2 words to you and it made you feel like giving up? Or they said 2 words to you and it was like a light bulb went off in your head and you felt like you could now conquer whatever the situation was? There is power in our mouths! With this I understand now the testimony service. I still don’t like it but I understand it. If I hear the things that God has delivered you from then that gives me the strength and encouragement to go on. If I hear that God healed you then I know he can heal me. Hearing your testimony builds my faith.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Rom 10:17)
Testimonies are like spiritual energy drinks. When you get weary and it seems like life is beating you down seek the people of God to tell you their testimonies and just watch, you will feel restored and encouraged to move on. So don’t be afraid to open your mouth and share the things that God has brought you from. You never know who needs to hear it!
If God can bring me from being homeless living in a shelter and give me confidence to stand as a man, then he can do the same and much more for you! I pray that God will give you the boldness to share the things that he’s doing in your life for someone else and speak life into them.
God Bless you and stay in the Race
Pastor Jonathan Roundtree Sr.