What is a testimony?
Biblical Definition of Testimony
In the biblical context, testimony is evidence of God’s actions, character, and faithfulness. It is the act of bearing witness to what God has done, is doing, or has promised to do in individuals’ lives. It glorifies Him, strengthens faith, and spreads the truth of His love and salvation. Whether through personal experiences, Scripture, or acts of deliverance, a testimony is vital to the believer’s witness to God’s unchanging faithfulness.
The concept of testimony, deeply rooted in Scripture, is not just a means to glorify God, encourage others, and affirm the truth of His Word. It is also a powerful redemptive tool that can transform lives and inspire faith in others.
Key Aspects of a Biblical Testimony
Bearing Witness to God’s Faithfulness
A testimony is not just a recounting of events, but a deeply personal acknowledgement of how God has worked in a situation, fulfilled His promises, or demonstrated His power and love. It’s a story that each of us can relate to in our own unique way.
Scripture: “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.” (Psalm 66:16)Proclaiming God’s Salvation
Testimonies often highlight how God has delivered a person from sin, restored their life, or brought them into a relationship with Him.
Scripture: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” (Revelation 12:11)Declaring the Truth of God’s Word
The testimonies of Scripture are not just stories, they are guideposts that affirm the reliability and authority of God’s Word and His covenant with His people. They provide a solid foundation for our own testimonies.
Scripture: “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111)Encouraging Others
Sharing a testimony inspires and strengthens others’ faith, reminding them of God’s ability to intervene in their own lives.
Scripture: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” (Psalm 107:2)Glorifying God
Testimonies direct attention and praise to God, exalting His name and making His deeds known among people.
Scripture: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 9:1)
Benefits of Giving Your Testimony
Sharing your testimony has significant spiritual, emotional, and relational benefits. Below are some key benefits:
1. Glorifies God
Our testimony highlights God’s faithfulness, love, and power in our lives.
Scripture: “Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:2)
2. Strengthens Our Faith
- Reflecting on God’s work in our lives reminds us of His goodness and encourages us to trust Him more in the future.
- Scripture: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11)
3. Encourages Others
- Hearing how God has worked in someone else’s life can inspire faith and hope in others, especially during their struggles.
- Scripture: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” (Psalm 107:2)
4. Defeats the Enemy
- Declaring what God has done exposes Satan’s lies and reinforces our victory through Christ.
- Scripture: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11)
5. Builds Community
- Sharing testimonies fosters connection and strengthens unity among believers, as we rejoice together in God’s work.
- Scripture: “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” (Romans 12:15)
6. Encourages Gratitude
- Testifying reminds us of all we have to be thankful for and cultivates a heart of gratitude.
- Scripture: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)
7. Invites Others to Salvation
A personal story of God’s transformative power can lead others to seek Him and embrace salvation.
Scripture: “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” (Psalm 66:16)
8. Reaffirms Our Identity in Christ
Sharing our testimony helps us to solidify who we are in Christ and reminds us of His ongoing work in shaping our character and destiny.
Scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Be aware that testimonies are not just personal victories; they are powerful tools for spiritual growth, edification, and evangelism.
Types of Testimonies in the Bible
Testimonies of Personal Experience
Individuals share their encounters with God, such as Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).Testimonies of God’s Deliverance
Examples include the Israelites recounting their exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:14-16) and King David’s songs of deliverance (Psalm 18).Testimonies of Jesus’ Life and Ministry
The Gospels are filled with testimonies of Jesus’ miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection.
Scripture: “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24)Testimonies of Prophets and Apostles
Prophets in the Old Testament and apostles in the New Testament bore witness to God’s message, calling people to repentance and faith.Testimonies of Faithfulness
The lives of faithful men and women, like those described in Hebrews 11, testify to God’s power and promises.
Assignment:
Prepare a written testimony to be sent to shammahoutreachmovement@gmail.com on or before Monday 16th December.
- You may use the structure in the example below as a guide. (Recommended)
- You may be required to give your testimony at thanksgiving and/or it may be chosen to be placed on our website.
- You can share a testimony of how God worked or is still working in your life in 2024. (Through the Wednesday bible class or small group sessions, Financial Empowerment sessions or Teachings in Saturday services or 5 am morning prayer or a combination)
- Ensure that your testimony glorifies God and encourages others.
- It’s important to incorporate God’s Word into your testimony. This not only affirms its truth and power but also adds a layer of authority to your narrative.
Hypothetical Testimony Example
This example glorifies God, encourages others, and affirms the truth of His Word. It also provides practical encouragement to anyone facing similar challenges, making it more engaging and applicable.
Testimony Title: God’s Faithfulness in Financial Provision and Spiritual Growth in 2024
Introduction
In 2024, I faced one of my life’s most challenging financial seasons. My business struggled to make ends meet, and I questioned how I would provide for my family. However, through attending the Financial Empowerment Sessions and the Wednesday Bible Class, God not only provided for my needs but also deepened my trust in Him as my ultimate source.
God’s Work in My Life
At the start of the year, I felt hopeless and overwhelmed by debt. During one of the Wednesday Bible Classes, the Minister reminded us of Philippians 4:19, which says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” This verse stuck with me, but I struggled to believe it at the time.
A turning point came when I attended the Financial Empowerment Sessions. The teaching on stewardship and the importance of trusting God with my finances changed my perspective. I began to tithe faithfully, even when it felt like I had so little to give, as Malachi 3:10 encourages: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
In prayer, I surrendered my financial situation to God, asking Him for wisdom and provision. Shortly after, unexpected opportunities began to arise. A client who had delayed payment for months settled their account. Then, a friend referred me to a new contract, which became a steady source of income. God reminded me that He is Jehovah Jireh, my Provider.
Glorifying God and Encouraging Others
This experience taught me to trust God’s timing and promises. He not only met my financial needs but also taught me valuable lessons about stewardship, gratitude, and faith.
I want to encourage anyone who may be struggling financially or emotionally to trust God. His Word is true, and His promises never fail. Psalm 37:25 says, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” I am a living testimony to this truth.
Incorporating God’s Word
God’s Word sustained me during this time. Isaiah 41:10 reassured me: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” These scriptures became my prayer and declaration during the darkest moments.
Conclusion
I give all glory to God for His provision and faithfulness in 2024. He taught me that trusting Him is the key to overcoming any challenge. My prayer is that my testimony encourages others to trust God, even when it seems like there’s no way forward. He is faithful and able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
Questions
- How have you experienced God’s provision, healing, discipline, consistency, or some other thing, this year?
- Will you share your testimony to encourage others in their faith journey?
