The Power of Testimony

  The Power of Testimony

Read | John 9:1-38

Have you ever considered the sheer power in your simple testimony? John’s gospel tells a wonderful story of a blind man whom Jesus healed. If the story simply ended with the man opening his eyes and praising God, even that would surely be powerful. However, John takes the account further and shows us what happened next.

The Jewish authorities didn’t know what to make of this miraculous healing. They had all the facts—a man they knew was born blind, the crowd that overheard his interaction with Jesus, the proof of identity that his parents provided—and yet they refused to believe what was clear to so many. That is, they challenged the man’s testimony.

The religious authorities voiced their disbelief by calling Jesus a sinner (John 9:24), as if this untruth would somehow disqualify His miracle.

The man’s response in John 9:25 was brilliant in its simplicity: “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

No matter what else was said, the man knew the Pharisees could not refute the basic fact that he had been healed. Scripture
shows that the authorities lost their tempers because they could not argue their way around that fact.

People simply cannot argue against the truth of your experience with Jesus. Rejoice that the Lord has given you such a powerful weapon in the midst of so great a spiritual battle. In situations where you anticipate a confrontation about your faith, take the time to reread John 9 so God can encourage you.4

Telling It Like It Is

Telling It Like It Is

Read | Matthew 10:32-33

Life often demands proof. Sometimes it seems that no matter what we say, people simply will not believe us unless we can provide some definite verification. That can be a good thing when what you’re sharing is the most important news in the world—and you have the evidence to back it up.

The news I’m talking about is the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. And the proof is your own personal testimony.

Every single believer has an irrefutable account of how Christ saved him or her from sin. It is disheartening when people downplay their faith story as boring or “ordinary.” How could this story ever be ordinary? It isn’t just some narrative about how you spent your day; we’re talking about a supernatural event. This is the chronicle of how Almighty God entered your heart. News like that is far from boring.

Remember that no one can discount your testimony. It’s your own story—the truthful telling of how God has worked in your life. A testimony is similar to a fingerprint: no two are the same. And regardless of the details, no one can ever deny your own personal experience. Even if some people do not believe in the power of Christ, they cannot refute what He has done in your life.

Boldly giving your testimony can be a challenge, especially if you’re not sure how your audience will react. At such moments, however, know that your story will be something they’ve never heard before. God gave you a special gift in your unique testimony. Are you sharing that gift with others?