He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, and set me feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to God. Psalm 40:2-3
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
In this world, it’s our successes that we boast about and by which we are defined. Earning a college degree, accumulating trophies and awards, having a great job, buying a home or a new car, having children who do well in school or in sports, and making good money are all ways we are labeled as successful. But in the Kingdom of God, in an odd way, it’s our failures that we boast about. Ask anyone what their testimony is and it usually won’t begin as a success story.
It starts off as a failure on our part and how God redeemed us. It’s our failures that we boast about because it’s in those times we find out who God is to us: redeemer, savior, deliverer, healer, provider, comforter, perfect love, wisdom, peace, joy, correction, grace, mercy.
When you’ve hit rock bottom or the bottom falls out, the world sees failure but that’s where your success story starts in Christ Jesus.
Our failures and our acknowledgement that we need God is where He lays down the foundation for our success. “His strength is made perfect in our weakness” are no longer just words to us but reality as we call on the name of Jesus, the one who can pick us up out of our mess and turn our lives around.
I once heard someone say that everyone has to gain a testimony for themselves. This is a simple yet profound statement. You can’t ride on the testimony of your parents or grandparents. You can be encouraged and draw faith from others’ testimonies but you can’t claim it as your own.
When did you seek Him and find Him?
When did you become sold out to Jesus?
Knowing that you are forever changed and forever bound to your Savior?
How have you leaned on God to bring you through a difficult time in your life?
How has your faith been increased through that experience?
When have you allowed God to turn your failures into His successes?
How has God kept you all these years?
When the disciples received the Holy Spirit, they went out into the world and shared the gospel. They could not be held back from boasting about the Lord. All of them suffered greatly but nothing could keep them from proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. They had a testimony that resided in the knowledge of who Christ was and is and is to come! They witnessed it first hand and were forever changed. Our testimonies showcase the majesty of God.
They don’t showcase our perfection, but rather the all-powerful and loving God that we call Savior. Testimonies are success stories to God! They are a tribute to His faithfulness, power, and great love for us. Now that is something to boast about!
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