by Doris Murdoch
In the news recently, we’ve seen crimes in Louisiana with the theatre shooting, the Chattanooga shooting of the military men, and the Charleston shooting in the church Bible study. The recent disheartening events continue on. We could identify these crimes with terrorism, racism, lack of respect for the military or lack of respect for our nation and the people that live in this democratic society. How do we take a stand and how do we stop these crimes against humanity?
If we read my book, Testify: By the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of Our Testimony, we may better realize the importance of thinking through God’s process of change or sanctification that each of us is experiencing as we grow as Christians (or at least we should be experiencing!). Once reading the book, we need to share our experiences or stories with others; our one present story may be one of many testimonies we’ll have as Christians. The book will take each person through step-by-step directions on how to identify these experiences and how to share these experiences through a personal testimony.
The biblical figure, Paul, shares his testimony in Acts 26. Paul testifies to King Agrippa concerning his faith change when he came to truly know Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He found that following Jesus Christ was the only way to true salvation with eternal life in heaven. He confessed his crimes of persecution against Christians. Paul allowed King Agrippa and anyone else in the throne room to hear his story of conversion, no matter the consequences. He was compelled to share his story in order to glorify God in his witness to others.
In a worship service recently, I witnessed a young man reveal his story of being raised in a racist home where one condemned those of the black race. God changed this man of the South and the racist imprint in his mind. We’ve heard the saying that God works in mysterious ways. Well, this gentleman was converted and called to serve black people in a nation of Africa. He and his lovely family will depart for East Africa to serve as missionaries in an Islamic community of Somalis this year. My heart is deeply warmed by his story. As a missionary and as a Christian, this young man will continue to grow and change in his journey of sanctification.
This man has a testimony to share. God called him to testify to the change in his life. God’s using him in a powerful way. Each of us, as “children of God”, have that same responsibility. Through story sharing, we may be able to convert or alter the beliefs in society, person by person, or one by one.
Posts that follow will share stories of faith or testimonies that may alter or enhance the belief system in each of us.
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