Testimony
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11
This weekend at church I was sitting amongst friends and family listening intently to our pastor. He was telling us how he went through a long, dry, spell just a couple of years ago, and how it pushed him to react in some very unchristian ways. No, he didn’t commit adultery or any such nonsense as that, but he did feel hostile towards other people - especially those in the body of Christ. He had been rejected and condemned, and being a preacher brought even more guilt and condemnation during his trial. Fortunately for us, it didn’t scare him to be transparent with his flock. And his testimony of God’s faithfulness during his dry season brought hope and life to us. God brought great good out of that season for him, and we are currently reaping the benefits as a church body in the way that we worship.
I’ve come through a similar season. I’m barely on the other side. I’ve heard of others describe a “dark night of the soul”, but would smile and nod as if I truly knew what that was but really didn’t. It was just the nice thing to do. But I’ve learned so much about myself and about my God through my recent trials, that I’m hoping to share just how faithful He truly is over the next few months.
I’ve been pondering the above scripture lately. The apostle John expresses that we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Incredible. The blood of the Lamb I get - but the word of our testimony? It makes perfect sense really. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). He was the Word made flesh who dwelled among us (John 1:14). Because of His sacrifice, now He’s the Word who lives within us (1 John 2:14). As blood bought believers, WE are His living, breathing Word on planet earth. Our words carry the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21), and when we present our testimony to the world we build or diminish the faith in others. In the case of the overcoming Believer, we build faith. At least, that’s how it’s supposed to work.
I once heard of a missionary couple who attended a yearly conference. They were excited about seeing their fellow laborers once again. But when they arrived, they realized that it was all a competition to see who had suffered the most that year. They heard stories of extreme sacrifice, hunger, danger, and even death. It floored them. Instead of testifying to the goodness of God in their lives, these precious friends had taken their eyes off the Prize, and had placed them on their Problem. Instead of looking to the Prince of Peace, they were magnifying the power of the enemy. They were tearing down with their testimony, instead of building others up around them. Were the things they experienced of no consequence? Absolutely not. But we are to keep at the forefront of our minds that our story is far from over, and there is great glory on the other side for those who persevere through great trials. Actually, I believe the Word of God says, “Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4-7)
Irregardless of what happens to us, God is still good, and He is still in control. Throughout this season I have walked through I’ve said to myself and others, “I may not see the good in this trial now, but I know I will eventually.” We have to come to a place where it’s okay not to understand what you are going through, but still trust that God has you where He wants you, or is getting you where you need to be!
We all fall down. We all sin. We all fall short of where the Lord would have us to be. But He is faithful, and He is diligent. The world may turn against us, but our God remains. He meets us right where we are, picks us up, dusts us off, and whispers words of love into our ears. He will never leave us or forsake us. He has taken His marriage vows seriously, and absolutely nothing can separate us from His great love.
And that’s a testimony I hope you repeat.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7
