Testimony – Crystal Writes

tes-ti-mo-`ny:

evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something; verification, confirmation, demonstration, manifestation

So in Testimony Pt. 1, I talked about why our testimonies are needed to advance God’s kingdom. Our testimonies help to build the faith of others.

Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10: 17)

More faith means more works of God being manifested!!

So I wanted to share a testimony that I was blessed to be a part of…

There was this homeless guy outside of my job who I would often see when I walked by on my slow times. Soon I began talking to him, just listening to his story. He was teary eyed when he said he just wanted to be seen as a person. He had a master’s degree and spoke well, but made some dumb mistakes and soon fell on hard times. I simply told him ‘I see you’ …and he broke down crying.

Months went on and I would encourage and pray for him when I saw him, even dealing with my own life happenings. I didn’t always want to but I couldn’t help but think how easy it can be to fall into his situation. Most of America lives check to check.

So anyway, one Tuesday he looked troubled as I walked by and asked if we could talk. We found a spot near an open fire and he told me his dad had passed away. He broke down because he couldn’t see him before he passed. I prayed for him. I hugged him. I know it looked weird to passers by- me walking around in a hoodie in 30 degree weather and hugging a homeless guy- but it didn’t matter. I literally held him up as his grief overtook him for a moment. I encouraged him, gave what I could, and made sure I left him better than I found him.

The following Sunday, he finally made good on my invite to church! He waited for me after service. I told him that I wouldn’t see him as often because I had lost my job [that’s for another post] but he said that he was leaving soon, also. Unbeknownst to him, his dad left him an inheritance!!! I gleefully punched him in his chest [I was gentle lol] as he told me he would be getting a CAR, a HOUSE, and whatever was left in his dad’s savings [It was significant!] !!!

I couldn’t help but give God glory!!!

By no means do I share this to gloat about what part I played. I was simply obedient.

I share this to say:
First, be kind to people. You really never know what they are going through.
Second, be lead. You may feel a tug in your heart to help someone: don’t ignore it.
Third, no matter what you are going through, God always has a plan to bring you out better than you were before.

So yeah, I lost my job but I needed that win, even if it wasn’t mine personally. It was a win for the kingdom of God and a reminded to me that God has the final say.

My testimony will be soon to come…

All Glory to God.

Crystal

tes-ti-mo-`ny:

evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something; verification, confirmation, demonstration, manifestation

God needs your testimony.

When God blesses us, He looks forward to us sharing it with others. Why? It builds faith.

Before I share a story, in which I’ll try to condense as much as possible, I’d like to share my favorite example of God looking for a testimony!

Mark 5 talks about a woman who had constant bleeding for 12 years. She exhausted her income and saw many doctors but nothing helped. It said she heard about Jesus being in the area and she, illegally [that’s for another post], went out in public to see Him. She kept saying ‘Let me just touch his clothes and I’ll be healed’ (Mark 5:28, paraphrased).

She accomplished her mission in secret, but Jesus knew something happened. After His disciples thought Jesus was crazy for asking who touched him, since they were completely surrounded by people, Mark 5:33 says,

“But he kept on looking around to see who had done it.”

When we pray, God hears us. He always has and will always. Even when we feel like God has His back turned away from us, as Jesus was off to another place in this instance, His power is still available! God is not ignorant to the blessings and miracles we experience; no matter how big or small they are. He is all knowing and ever present.

God is not looking for our testimony just for His enjoyment, He needs it to encourage others. Our testimonies are the building blocks to another’s faith. It’s the missing link.

The enemy loves to make us feel isolated in our challenges, making us feel as if we are the only one who has gone through it. We know from Hebrews 4:15 that Jesus was tempted at ALL points but His resurrection is the greatest testament to God’s grace and love.

Truth is, we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus went through them and so have many other people over the course of time. When God brings you out, because He will, we must rejoice and TELL SOMEBODY!!

Be a tattle-tale on God and what He has done, because it is always good!

People are suffering in silence and needing to hear how God brought you out of a similar situation. We live in a world where everyone has their own personal soapbox to stand on, speaking to an audience willing to listen. Use your platform to encourage others and share your testimony to strengthen their faith. I guarantee you’ll receive their testimony and rejoice with them!!!!!!

Look for Testimony Pt. 2 as I will share a testimony that helped my faith just recently!

I love you and I pray this encourages you today!

Crys