I’ve been saved for about fifteen years. God rescued me from so much and I’ve made it my personal mission to glorify what he’s done in my life to inspire others to believe God for their circumstances.
The Bible says:
“And they triumphed over 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.” Revelations 12:11
If this verse is true, then of course there will be Spiritual Warfare around sharing your testimony. First off, Satan will try and get you to shut up or delay you sharing. It’s important to remain sensitive to God’s Spirit giving you the greenlight on sharing, when and where. Just because you’ve been saved, doesn’t mean it’s always time to share (right away)because God might be working out your sanctification, maturing you for the responsibility that comes with sharing. Remember, others will be looking to you as a mouthpiece of Truth so it’s important to be grounded in His Spirit and Truth.
“He said, But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.” John 4:23
We must have discernment and wisdom in the timing of where and when to share. Dialog with God about these details while holding your thoughts and opinions loosely. Let Him speak to your spirit. In the meantime, begin making a timeline of the things you’d like to cover. To create the strongest impact, it’s important to give people a snapshot of who you were Before Christ.
As you write, ask the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance times when you felt God protecting you or drawing you towards Jesus. This is important for those hearing your story to to recognize signs of God’s goodness; despite the trauma and drama. Testimonies are a beautiful tapestry of dark and light threads; when you pause and step back, they paint a far clearer picture than if all those threads were one tone. Our stories are journeys. And no journey is void of dimension, context or the texture of conflict and overcoming.
“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3
As you pray about sharing it’s important to consider:
- God’s timing is better than ours. Are we ready to share in the way He wants us to?
- Are you healed? Healing is a process and sometimes sharing when you aren’t fully healed isn’t a good idea.
- What’s your motive? Ask yourself if you are doing this for clout, clicks or the Kingdom. God will use your testimony to touch others but it’s important your heart is in the right posture as you share. It’s not important for God but more important for you and the people you are trying to impact.
- Can you share the Truth and still honor others? The reality is life is messy and sometimes our stories collide with other people’s bad decisions. When we share it’s important to cover these folk with grace and dignity, just as we would hope they would do for us. (For God is spirit so those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24) (Love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8)
- Lean on your prayer partners. As you prepare, share and even afterwards, have a trusted few to cover you in prayer. Satan will try and stop you with fear, discouragement and intimidation and it’s important to have a prayer covering.
After sharing your testimony, prepare for the ‘testimony hangover’. This is typical and should be expected. Putting yourself out there is scary but being vulnerable for God is an assault on Satan’s Kingdom.
Remember God has equipped you with a testimony, which means there will always be a point when you are called to share His goodness. Do not quench the Holy Spirit! God wants to use us to draw others into their own redemption story. Every time I have shared, I’ve received greater personal breakthroughs in my own life. So don’t stop God’s blessings…for you and others!
