Today is one of my favorite kind of days; and it seems like a long time since I have experienced one so practically perfect as this one…
It is a cloudy, fall day…cool temperatures, but not so cool that I can’t have the windows open. The leaves are changing. It is quiet. Time seems to be on my side. I had a nice long chat on the phone with my daughter. I have done a few chores but also was able to read some in my fall book and fit in a movie while I ate my breakfast and lunch along with folding laundry. And, now there is still time to write while hoping to make a pumpkin dessert for after supper.
On my mind to write about was a topic I started for my Facebook page that is related to this blog but decided maybe a longer article was worth looking at. In addition to the fact that my fingers felt the need to type. The lure to write is there today. In my prayer time today, I have talked to the Lord about my hesitancy at times and the reasons for questioning it. Even in my devotional time this morning, the thoughts and scriptures around this were there.
Well, back to today’s writing topic…the power of our testimony.
I have been guilty of hesitating on sharing my testimony at times regarding certain areas where I have felt that God had helped me. It hasn’t always been the same topic, but whether aloud, or in my writing, due to fear of attack from the enemy, perhaps, or possibly feeling judged by others even, I have maybe held back when I shouldn’t have…or at least been tempted to hold back. What I have found is that, in most cases, when I do share, I gain ground rather than lose it.
Let me address it this way…
How often do we want to allow into our lives on a regular basis a person who lies to us, cheats or deceives us, or steals from us? Likely, we don’t keep people like that close…those whose intent is for selfish gain…who will harm us or our family for their ill-will. Yet, we know by God’s Word that Satan is all of those things, and we have trouble resisting his lies. We allow him to hold us back and keep us down at times when we should be sharing our testimony.
The Bible tells us in Revelation that the saints overcame by the blood of the lamb and the power of their testimony. Jesus’ blood covers our sins when we repent; and our testimony…our testimony of God’s saving grace, or perhaps a win over sin yesterday…gives us more power to overcome!
“And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony…”
From Revelation 12:11 NLT
[ https://bible.com/bible/116/rev.12.11.NLT ]
Even as I wrote this, I stopped to pause and speak with God A-GAIN about this writing thing. I am fine to come to Him over and over about anything, but I also want to gain ground in areas where perhaps Satan wants to keep me stuck…or held back.
I also want to say that my desire is to walk in God’s lighted pathway for my life. I may not be able to see far ahead, but as I take each step with Him leading…trusting as I go…I want to be in His will and hearing His voice along the way.
As I stepped away to pray for a few minutes during this article, I felt that God asked me, “Do you believe?” Basically, do I believe what I am writing to be true? Do I believe what I say I believe? The thing is, this world has changed so much so that Christianity used to be met with less opposition…at least in my world. BUT, I have been met with opposition in my younger years, too. It’s just that now I have a much greater realization of how some of my views may be less common on a grander scheme. However, the bottom line and the answer to that question made me cry…
Yes, I absolutely do believe!
And, I believe that the world desperately needs to be reminded. Some need to hear for the first time. Some Christians need a reminder that they CAN overcome by the power of their testimony—AND—by the blood of the lamb…the lamb who is Jesus Christ the Messiah…the One who has come to seek and to save that which is lost…the Son of God who IS coming again to receive those who follow Him unto Himself. [See Luke 19:10 & John 14:3]
We aren’t made to walk in discouragement. Sure, sometimes, we have difficulties. As a matter of fact, I started an article during a time recently when we were ‘in the midst of the fiery furnace’…a time that has been extremely difficult. I haven’t finished that article yet but intend to. The trial isn’t 100% over, but I am looking forward with hope. I truly believe that we were made to walk victorious with peace and joy. [See Galatians 5:22 & 23]
Defeat is not joyful. Defeat is not inviting to others. Defeat knows not peace. Don’t accept it.
Focus on your victories. Confess your faults but don’t dwell there. Share your testimony and believe that, in Him, we have power to overcome.
As I finish up this article by the open window, drinking my herbal tea, with the scent of fall candles lingering in the house, and autumn jazz playing in the background, I am so grateful for this day and power in His name…power in His Word…and power to overcome…by the blood of the lamb shed for our sins, and the word of our testimony.
Don’t let Satan win. Celebrate your win in, and through, Jesus Christ.
“And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Revelation 12:9 ESV
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 ESV
Jesus said… “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” John 10:9-11 NLT
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8 NLT
After thoughts…I made bean cakes and eggs with fried potatoes for supper; and I did make that pumpkin dessert but we haven’t tried it yet! I’m kind of excited about it. 🙂
