Testimony

By Paula Childers: 

As I came into church the other week, I realized that church is a place of testimony.  Not just a testimony of the past: how we became church members or who Christ was on earth, but church is a testimony of the present: of who we are and who Jesus is.  That week three of our elders gave their testimony and shared a glimpse of their lives.  How special that was to hear from them!

I remember being introduced to that word - testimony.  At first I thought it was a way to expose your "deepest darkest secret," or a way to come clean from the past.  How sad is that?   Sure, some bad things happened in my past that God used to bring me closer to Him but those trials don't define my testimony as much as God does.  His plan is what makes me who I am. Some "big piece of stupid" does not.

My testimony and who I am comes from God.  My testimony is one of hope and love.  Who I am is who God says I am.  My past, my actions do not determine His truth.  So, as I reflect over my life, as I think upon my testimony, I will remember God is the one who called me.  He planned me and He has plans for me.  My testimony comes from Him not poor judgment or the enemies attacks.  

"And this is [God's] testimony:  God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."  I John 5:9