Testify

I’m one of those introverted people that almost dread any kind of large social gathering – it physically and mentally drains me to make small conversation with mostly anyone other than family and close friends. As I prepare myself for the festivities, I usually take note of every negative aspect (from my perspective) of what’s about to take place – the weather conversations, the fake laughing at corny jokes, that awkward silence when you run out of things to talk about; I know it sounds terrible, but this is how some of us introverts feel. Sometimes though, when I step out of my comfort zone, I find that the experience is nothing how had imagined and, to my surprise, rather enjoyable.

We recently had a ladies fellowship event that, if I am being honest, fell into the “I don’t think I’m going to love this” category. We were going on a scavenger hunt – one that included speaking to complete strangers about Jesus. It was definitely not in my wheelhouse, but I know fellowship and branching out to other ladies is important so I tagged along with the expectation of just checking my “obligation” box. Not only was I wrong about the fun part (because I really did enjoy myself), I was also blessed to witness the power of a testimony.

One of the items on our scavenger hunt required someone on my team to share her testimony of salvation with a stranger in the TJ Maxx parking lot. It was truly moving as I watched her words stir emotion in the person she was speaking with – you could just feel the presence of the Lord fall in the atmosphere. Her testimony had power!

That moment has been lingering in my mind ever since. I have been asking the Lord and searching myself as to why I hesitate to share my testimony of salvation with everyone He puts in my path. I think part of me felt like my story wasn’t very spectacular; it isn’t a story that the world (or even myself when I was in the world) would consider overly broken and hopeless. My walk with Jesus has been more of a gradual incline of righteousness – there was no immediate physical healing or apparent deliverance that jump-started my faith. On the outside, I appeared exactly like the rest of the “unbroken” world.

It’s been over a month now and the Lord is still dealing with me about this – probably because I haven’t completely followed through with His instructions (until now). He brought me to 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” The Lord is showing me that I struggle to give my testimony because I lack reflection and preparation. Since I am not an off-the-cuff kind of person, my always be ready involves a little more effort. Jesus told me to write it down and practice it often.

So here it goes: Jesus brought me to love. He opened my eyes to the brokenness in people. I no longer see the homeless person on the corner as a beggar or the self-righteous as a lost cause. I can see their soul, I can hear their cries from the pits of hell, and I can feel the pain that lies deep within them. Before Jesus, I didn’t care. My life was consumed by myself and all the things I wanted. He changed that within me and gave me a heart of compassion. He brought me to a place of peace that I didn’t even know existed. Jesus has become my Rock and salvation.

I encourage you to take the time to reflect on your testimony. Write it down and practice it often, as I have been instructed to do. I am sure as time goes on and by my 100th edit (those of you who know me well, get that!), my written testimony will look a little different. Nonetheless, I will be prepared as a witness to speak of His majesty. 1 Peter 2:19, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” In Jesus Name.