Set Your Sights On Things Above
We so quickly get our eyes off God. Let's get back into
perspective.
perspective.
3/9/2015
Called to be a TestamentI know some people who have these testimonies that are outwardly such a dramatic change. The person’s life went from going a decidedly bad direction, to a 180-degree change the other direction, immediately and dramatically. They have such an impossibly abrupt, distinct, and drastic change that we put their testimonies on screen and encourage everyone to see it. Don’t mistake me here, I think this is good.
There are others of us who don’t have those dramatic conversions, though. We got saved early in life, or perhaps just very quietly. No one’s asking us to give our conversion testimony in front of crowds or cameras, and in fact, when someone asks us about our testimony, we’re just a tad taken aback because it’s so outwardly mundane. Why would they want to hear about how we got saved? (Also don’t get me wrong here – I’m not talking about sharing the gospel with our neighbors – that is every Christian’s duty regardless of how we got saved or what we were saved out of.) So today I was thinking… I can’t stand for a testimony of a dramatic, about-face for Jesus. That’s simply reality, the way things are. My brothers and sisters in Christ who can stand up and testify of that though…they are showing me something, too. They remind me of the power that changed me on the inside. As someone who was saved early, it’s easy to look back and wonder, even doubt at times. There was no gigantic change for me on the outside, but that same power that changed my friend’s life so drastically also changed me just as drastically the moment I was saved. I can’t see the change on the outside in me, but I can see it in someone else. So…those dramatic conversion stories are more than examples to others in those sorts of lifestyles, struggling with those sorts of sins and trying to break free. They are testaments to me, also. Testaments to what God did in MY life, because I need that reminder. For me. I know it can be intimidating to stand in front of a camera, or a church crowd, and give a testimony of things you’d rather forget. To admit to being involved in things that now you know weren’t right…at exactly the time you’re trying to start over, hoping that these new friends never find out about what you used to be. Don’t be intimidated though. If your pastor is asking for that testimony, it’s because he knows his people can handle hearing it, and still love you just the same. On top of that, he knows the rest of us need to hear it. Partly so we don’t give up on others around us who are struggling with things, but also to see the Power that’s alive in us right now. That little 5-year-old who bows his head in Sunday School class to ask Jesus to be his Savior, someday he’ll need to know what kind of drastic change took place in his heart and soul and spirit that day. You are a testament of the drastic change takes place whenever ANYONE is saved. So stand up and be that testimony. It’s what God intended for you to show the world. ……………………………… God says each of us are a vessel formed for a purpose. I’m learning that our lives show an aspect of God’s character, more than just forming the fruit of the Spirit in our actions. I’m talking about an overarching theme of one’s life. Look back on your life and see if it isn’t true for you. While I might not have a place as a dramatic conversion, my life does testify of something. God’s enduring faithfulness… His presence in the valley… His strength giving me boldness to witness… His provision in financial need… His words flowing through me when my words fail… God has something valuable for each of us to testify of. We are an example of something… Own it. If you don't know what I mean by a 'conversion story', please follow this link HERE to find out... |
AuthorI'm Sherry Chamblee, aspiring author of Christian fiction, mom of six, wife to a cool dude, and caregiver to his granny. Besides that, I am just little old me - it's just a phrase, I'm not really old, honest. Check out my new release!
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