The Power of a Testimony

Introduction

A powerful story is one of the backbones of motivation. Typically when you ask someone who has overcome a daunting situation they’ll tell you of a person whose story inspired them. Many of us are familiar with the fact that Tyler Perry was homeless and slept in his car. Or that Steve Harvey was #homeless and showered in public restrooms. The story of Maya Angelou being sexually assaulted or working the rail car services in San Francisco at the age of 16. A story of overcoming and triumph is a motivator to many people around the world today. The story of Jesus is a testimony all by itself. The fact that he was born into meager circumstances, or that the outlook of society was that nothing good could come out of his neighborhood. There are individuals in here today that have incredible stories, overcome things that most people would crumble at the thought of. Inspiration is something that can come from any where. As a child I was inspired by various athletes, civil rights leaders and musicians. I was so inspired that I put their posters on my way, used pictures of them as screen saves on my computer. Their story was so intriguing, their life had commonalities with mine that was inspired to keep going even when times got tough.

Never underestimate the power of your witness, never allow anyone to make you feel some type of way for witnessing about the power and grace that Jesus has bestowed on your life. When I’ve gotten to a place where I can’t do anything but be transparent, I’ll no longer worry about how people look at my past. I now trust the triumph that God has allowed me to experience. Never underestimate the influence that your lived experience can have, God didn’t allow you to go through these things because He doesn’t care about you, He’s allowed us to go through certain things in effort to trust Him more and be a lesson of overcoming to other people.

Background of the Samaritan woman

Faith Come By Hearing

John 4:39 “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.””

They believed in Jesus because of the word of the woman who testified.

Every conversion does not come from a bible study. Every inspiration to follow Jesus does not come from a Sunday worship service. Sometimes it comes from people watching and listening to the story that you’ve been in a life of trial and tribulation.

Witnessing, or a testimony is not just knowledge gained from scholarship. This is basically providing information about a person or an event concerning which the speak has direct knowledge.

If you’ve ever written a research paper there are primary sources and secondary sources. Now be mindful of the fact that a secondary source can still provide you with the proper information. A secondary source is one that was created later by someone who did not experience firsthand or participate in the events in which the author is writing about.

For instance I can tell you about a game winning shot hit in game 7 of the finals, but it’s a different experience to be the person that took the shot or the teammates or opponent that was on the floor during the shot!

On the other hand a primary source is a record of events or evidence as they are first described or actually happened. The witness of the Samaritan woman wasn’t just at the expense of finding deliverance from a life a drama it was also about witnessing the power of Jesus and His ability to help us overcome even the darkest situations.

“He told me all that I ever did”

God knows your gifts

God knows your triumphs

God knows your darkest secrets

God knows the problems you have

God knows the people you like and the folks you can’t stand.

For Jesus to know all of the dirt and dark places of our life and still love us in spite of is something to witness about.

Because of this testifying the Samaritans believed because of the word they ended up hearing from Jesus. It was the confirmation of the testimony they had just heard. The trickle down effect of the Power of Jesus is unlike anything we have ever witnessed.

Jesus won over the Samaritan woman, the Samaritan woman won over her community! This is what evangelism looks like. It’s not our duty to appear like these perfect super Christians. How do I relate to those who need salvation if I act like I’ve never sinned or had any problems of my own. Your problems may not be like the Samaritan woman. Best believe she had some issues.

She had been married 5 times.

She was at the well at an unorthodox time. When you are living in a way that isn’t pleasing in life typically we go into hiding for fear of shame and embarrassment.

She also hadn’t been taught the nature of true worship.

Some of us are showing up to church like this woman showed up to the well. Ashamed of our situation, refusing to be honest with God or ourselves. What if I told you that what you’re going through could save the life of someone in this room.

What if I told you that your testimony my be the key to someone asking the question what must I do to be saved!

What if I told you that your testimony might save someone’s marriage.

We have to stop hiding behind this perceived perfection! We are only completed in Christ. The avoidance of mistakes, the success professionally, our ability to be influential in the community is not a measure of righteousness!

Righteousness is measured by our fulfillment of expectations with God. This is an attribute that stems from a convenental relationship with God. Nonetheless because we have all sinned, grace and righteousness work hand in hand! Are you striving to be better, what have you done with the forgiveness that God has blessed you with. Our ability to walk in our purpose from God not only can heal our families, but can restore His relationship with an entire community based on the righteousness of one person! Samaritans and Jews were beefing but the testimony of one woman caused the people of Samaria to come to Jesus, and many of them believed. Not only did they believe but Jesus stayed for a couple of days. It’s one thing to have someone stay with you for a day, but two days means you like them a little bit.

All Glory Belongs to God

John 4:42 “Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.””

Now let us be thankful that God gives us a story that has power to change lives but understand all glory belongs to God.

Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

We may be a part of the success, we may be a part of the triumph, but God gets the glory because he orchestrated the success!

I might be doing well, I might be bringing many souls to God but never get to a place to where I believe it’s me and not God. Understand no matter how successful I am at sharing the gospel of Christ people have to believe for themselves!

Find influence for yourself, but find power in the power of God.

All the Glory belongs to you

Don’t underestimate the power of your testimony, but understand the power belongs to God, therefore the Glory belongs to God!