Two weeks ago at Bethany, we concluded our fall sermon series, “Right Where You Are.”  And hands down, the highlight of the series were the personal testimonies that accompanied each sermon.  It was super encouraging.  Every week for 13 weeks ordinary men and women from our Bethany family shared about deep struggles and blessings in life and how God is using them to transform their lives and impact their world.

Through the fall I kept an informal tally of some of the comments I heard.  (I’ve taken out the specifics to maintain privacy), but here are a few:

“Wow, that was POWERFUL, I had no idea that [they] struggled with [that].”

“When I heard [their] testimony, I just sat there and cried. I thought I was the only one who was facing [that kind of thing].”

“It’s so nice to hear these stories.  It really makes me feel connected and part of the family.”

“We should do this EVERY week!”

A testimony has real power, doesn’t it? … so much more than just dry, abstract facts.

Here are dry abstract facts versus personal testimony… which one moves you?

Sight and Sound has a production of “David” running now	“I’ve been to Broadway shows in NY and Sight and Sound productions are easily on par.  The music, costuming, sets, and acting are outstanding. It was worth every penny.”
There’s a Journey to Bethlehem Escape Room available at the church this week and next.	“I’ve never done an escape room before, but this was a lot of fun!  It took all six of us to figure things out and it was so cool to see how each person contributed to solving the puzzle. The escape rooms in King of Prussia costs $36 bucks per person.  This one’s by donation and supports our youth mission trip.”

See the difference?

Several weeks ago, Linda Fisher from our church and Julie Ingram made an appointment with me to share about a discipleship initiative they and several others have been participating in.  The presentation was interesting and informative. And at the end, they encouraged me to call Pastor Jon Miklas up at Cocalico Community Church to further discuss the program since they have been using it for several years.  I called yesterday to make an appointment and spoke with the church office manager, Keri. Pastor Jon was out of the office, so I explained why I was calling, and she assured me that Jon would be delighted to connect with me. Then she lowered her voice and said quietly, “This transformed my life.” WOW!  Just 4 words. Now I’m listening!

So, what’s your story?

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyhone in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15).  Your life, your testimony, your story is exactly what people need to connect the dots on God’s goodness and faithfulness.  Your story is powerful. So, let your light shine!

Revelation 12 speaks of a cosmic battle between good and evil that rages all around us.  The kingdom of God is engaged in an ongoing epic struggle against “The great dragon… that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12:9).  How is evil ultimately defeated?  What has sufficient power to free captive hearts and cause the Enemy to flee? What will bring victory and the powerful advance of God’s kingdom?

They [God’s people] triumphed over him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11

If you are a Christ-follower, you have a testimony that is the very embodiment of the gospel.  Not the dry facts, “Jesus came and died so you can go to heaven.” But “I once was dead and now I’m alive. I once was lost and now I’m found.  I once was a stranger but now God is my friend.  I once was a debtor but Jesus paid my debt. I once was a slave to sin but now I’m free… Jesus has transformed my life!”

Tell your story. It has power.