John chapter 12 verses 17-19 (NIV)
Now the crowd that. was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
The people who had seen Lazarus raised from the dead were now so convinced, rightly so, of who Jesus was, that even in the midst of strong opposition from the religious leaders, they continued to testify to what they had seen, and it was having an impact. The Pharisees knew it too. It made me wonder about how willing I am to be persistent in speaking about what Jesus has done, even in the midst of opposition. Our testimonies carry power and the Holy Spirit’s anointing because they tell of what God has done for us and done in us. No-one can take that away, and no-one can deny our story.
I had the Jehovah’s Witnesses at the door recently for the first time in a while. I find now that sharing testimony is the best way to talk to them. They want to argue about scripture, and whilst I could do that now more comfortably than when I was younger, I notice that some respond well to testimony whilst others are more uncomfortable, because they can’t deny what I have experienced. This time the younger of the two women responded in a positive way, whilst the older was keen to get away. Never underestimate the power of a testimony, even if it doesn’t involve seeing a dead man come out of his tomb alive. Our stories are valid and can point people to Jesus. That’s why He wants us to share them. Even people who oppose our faith can’t take away our experience.
Dear Lord,
Every time I hear a testimony I am encouraged. Help me never to be reticent in sharing what You have done for me. May it point others to Jesus. I ask in His Name. Amen.