Your Testimony
by Gemma Gardner
When I go out to the seafront early in the morning to take our dog for a walk, I often see people out jogging. I notice that some of them are having an obvious struggle, while others seem to be sprinting along with no sign of breathlessness. It is interesting to watch others running, and people are often inspired when a sporting event is being shown on television. Doubtless, they are motivated by seeing the amazing dedication and stamina of the athletes.
I was thinking of this as I read the above scripture. Each of us who have committed our lives to the Lord Jesus, and have been born again, have a testimony. We might think that, compared with the amazing testimonies we read about, and that we hear about in church, that our testimony is not worth much. But that isn’t true.
It does encourage us when we hear how the Lord has brought a new believer to Himself, and it’s a blessing to listen to others sharing how the Lord has answered their prayers and brought them through hard times. But, in fact, when we are able to share with others, whether it’s believers, or unbelievers, in the Lord, it strengthens us.
People might be able to argue with us about what we believe, or even interpretations of the Scriptures, but they cannot argue against our own personal experience. We are being witnesses to what the Lord has done, and is doing, in our lives, and it’s our testimony that enables us to defeat the enemy.
However, the enemy will always accuse us of things we have done wrong, and we need the blood of the Lamb to keep cleansing us from our sin, so that we can receive the Lord’s forgiveness, and withstand the taunts of the enemy.
Some years ago, Dean and I decided to write out our testimonies on a sheet of paper. This comprised details of how we came to believe in the Lord, and an update on how He has been leading us since then. Whenever it seems appropriate, we give copies of our testimonies to people. I have given mine to people I have got into conversation with, and people who have helped me. I hope to give one to my new hairdresser next week.
Here’s a final encouragement. ‘Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In His presence a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honour of his name’ (Malachi 3:16).
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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