A testimony is defined as a declaration, a firsthand authentication of a fact, evidence, an outward sign, an open acknowledgment or a public profession of what is true.
Testimonies play an important role in Christian faith. It provides a glimpse of the mighty power of God at work in someone’s life. Going through life, we face challenges and trials. We are often in need. When we shape our concerns into prayers and God hears us, and delivers us from these difficult situations, or grants us what we were praying for, telling someone about it, is testifying of God’s goodness, mercy and faithfulness.
Psalm 145:7 (AMP) “They will overflow [like a fountain] when they speak of Your great and abundant goodness. And will sing joyfully of Your righteousness.” Psalm 9:1 (AMPC) “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your marvellous works and wonderful deeds!”
Don’t underestimate the power of your testimonies about God’s goodness, mercy and faithfulness.
Here are 7 reasons why we should testify about what God has done for us:
- Your testimony demonstrates God’s power. It gives hope and encourage other believers
In Acts 13:15 (NLT) Paul says “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.”
A testimony has the ability to drive a future miracle in the lives of others. The term, testimony, derives from the Hebrew word “ēdūt” that means to do it again with the same power and authority. Every time someone shares, or reads, a testimony, a believer can claim its power, ask and expect God to do the same in their lives. If He did it before, He can do it again.
In Exodus 14:21 (NLT) we read of how “Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land.” God parted the waters of the Red Sea, for the Israelites and then he parted the waters of the Jordan River for them again. In Joshua 3:15-16 (NLT) the Israelites got to the Jordan river “But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.” God make a way, for the Israelites, where there seemed to be no way at the Red Sea. And God performed the same miracle again at the Jordan. He did it once, and then He did it again. He is the same God yesterday, today and tomorrow. In Malachi 3:6 (NKJV) He says “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”
Lord, do it for me with the same power and authority as You did it before.
- It is your act of thanksgiving and worship to God
When David offered praise to the Lord for meeting his needs, he professed not to keep quiet about it, revealing a heart eager to share his testimony and ultimately, God’s power at work in his life. Psalm 40:10 (GNT) “I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent about your loyalty and constant love.”
In Psalm 23:5-6 (NLT) he declares “You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honour me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
David’s testimonies of God’s greatness were acts of worship to God. David pleased God so much, that God in Acts 13:22 (NIV) calls him “a man after my own heart.”
- Your testimony confirms your faith in God
When we testify, we confirm in whom our faith lies and acknowledge who we believe in.
In Psalm 66:16 (NLT) the psalmist invites others to hear his testimony, sharing in the goodness of God and celebrating the experiences of God’s intervention in his life – “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me.”
- Your testimony brings God glory
In Psalm 34:1-3 (NLT) David declares “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.”
When we share our testimony, we don’t glorify the problem or battle. We glorify God who was in it with us and showed His power through it. We showcase God. We give Him honour and praise by sharing what He has done for us. Essentially, we brag about God.
- Sharing your testimony, demonstrates the love and mercy of God
When Jesus healed the demon possessed man, He encouraged the healed man to share his testimony, emphasizing the mercy of God. Mark 5:19 (NLT) “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.”
When we truly believe that God is working all things for our good, we begin to experience the relentless love of God pursuing us over every mountain and through every valley. Psalms 23:6 (TPT) “So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!” God’s love is demonstrated by our testimonies.
- Our testimony is our weapon against the enemy
Revelation 12:11 (AMP) tells us “they overcame and conquered him [the enemy] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony.” So, let us reference what God did for us in the past to advance forward in victory. David did. When preparing to fight Goliath, he told King Saul in 1 Samuel 17:37 (NLT) “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”
The God whom we worship is not a weak and incompetent God. He is able to beat back gigantic waves of opposition and to bring low prodigious mountains of evil. The ringing testimony of the Christian faith is that God is able.
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
- We should share our testimonies because God doesn’t want us to forget
My testimony reminds me of the presence of God’s power in my life.
While the Israelites weren’t to keep manna overnight, unless it was the Sabbath, God directed them to collect some in a vase in the ark. It was to serve as a testimony of His divine provision for generations to come (Exodus 16:32).
God warned the Israelites in Deuteronomy 4:9 (NLT) “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” The same applies for us. We should share our testimonies with our children, grandchildren and others. By sharing our testimony, it not only encourages others, but it also reminds and strengthens us.
A sure way to remember what God has done is to tell it and to write it down.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the testimonies You have given every one of us. It is a gift and it holds the power to inspire and encourage others. Please give us the courage to proclaim Your goodness to others. In Jesus name, Amen.
