Overcoming Testimonies

Every craftsman builder has a tool bag with all types of tools.  Every tool is valuable and useful depending on the situation.  Some tools have use everyday and some tools may be in
the toolbox until just the right time.  A skilled craftsman pulls out just the right tool at the right time.

As a believer, we have tools to use in our overcoming life and our encouragement of others in their journey with God.  The Scriptures and our prayers of declaration, petition and intercession are tools we use everyday to see the Kingdom of God here on earth as it is in Heaven.  Yet a powerful tool we often leave in our toolbox and don't use often is our testimony of what God has done in our life and situations.  How can we use our testimony in our overcoming life and in encouraging others in their journey of overcoming?

In the Scripture, God instructs us to use our testimony in teaching, reminding and encouraging others.  In Exodus 12 as God gives Israel instruction about the Passover, He tells them that in the future, when they are in the Promised Land, they are to celebrate the Passover each year.  When their children ask what the ceremony means, they are to tell them - to give testimony again and again of how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and brought them to this Promised Land.  The celebration of the Passover and telling of the story brings hope, inspiration and encouragement into current situations.  

Our testimony and our stories of God's work in our lives should be a powerful tool to remind us and others of God's faithfulness and His unfailing Promises.  Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:8 to not be ashamed of the Testimony of the Lord.  Any story, big or small, significant or seemingly insignificant can make a mark on someone.  Hope can be restored and fresh courage can be imparted as others hear your God stories.  Revelation 12:11 (The Passion Translation) tells us that "They (the saints) conquered him (the devil) completely through the Blood of the Lamb and the powerful word of their testimony."  The footnote on that verse says that the faithful testimony of Jesus has the power to destroy the works of the devil.  We can remind ourselves and others of the overcoming victory of Christ in our lives so that we have fresh courage for today's challenges.  

It may be time for you to dig your testimony out of your tool box and practice telling the stories of God in your life and situations.  Practice a short speech that gives God the credit for what He has done.  A testimony used at the right time can encourage someone, shift their perspective and bring fresh hope into any situation!