Earlier this week, we looked at the story of the 10 Lepers and learned the need to return and testify about what God has done. We aren't to keep the good news to ourselves but should share it loudly. And when we do so, we can witness an expansion of the miracle we experienced, as was the case for the one leper who returned to worship God and thank Jesus.
Today, we look at the Samaritan woman that Jesus met at the well. We've discussed her previously but will consider a different angle to her story. And that is - the power of testimony.
When Jesus met the Samaritan woman, known as Photine in certain Christian circles, He told her things about herself that no ordinary person would know. By the time their conversation at the well ended, she was convinced that He was the Messiah. So much so, that she ran to get everyone from her village and many became believers!
But why is that? What caused the people of that village to believe in Jesus? It was the power of her testimony as stated in John 4:39 - Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”
It is imperative for us to remember that not only is the sharing of testimony a blessing for those who share, but it is also a blessing to those who hear. The people in that village were so intrigued by Jesus' teachings and miracles that they invited him to remain with them for two more days. In that time, their conviction was deepened. Eventually, they said the following to Photine in John 4:42 - They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
We must never forget that there may be somebody out there in the world who needs to be uplifted by testimony of what God has done for us. That testimony can be the first step to that person having their own encounter with Christ and becoming a believer as well. Let us not be selfish but instead, speak about what God has done for us because He instructed us to be His witnesses in this fallen world (Isaiah 43:12). Witnesses who attest that He is the one and only God.
It was the testimony of others that convinced the woman with the issue of blood to 'shoot her shot' and receive healing after twelve years of illness. The Centurion who sought Jesus to heal his servant had likely never seen Jesus perform a miracle. He was a man of Roman authority who didn't spend time in the places Jesus did. Yet, somehow, he'd heard of what Jesus could do and, on that basis alone, believed the Savior could heal a member of his household. Many others heard about this Jesus and so followed Him wherever He went in order to witness miracles and learn from Him the things of God. Even the demons that He cast out of suffering people testified that He was the Son of God.
So who are we not to proclaim His greatness, if not more? We can freely talk about our favorite celebrities and the news of the day. Some of us don't hesitate to gossip and speculate about others. Yet, we don't take the time to share with others what the Lord has done for us. We don't even take the time to seek out the testimonies of other people so that we are encouraged by their meeting with God.
Besides, when's the last time you bought something without checking the reviews. If we seek out testimonials of the products we purchase, then imagine those who need to hear our testimony to come closer to the God we love and serve. Brothers and sisters in Christ, I want to admonish us to speak up about God's power and might. I want to also recommend that we all make it a practice to seek out and listen to the testimony of others. Doing these things glorifies the Lord and blesses us as well as God's people.
PS: Have you heard a testimony from somebody that greatly encouraged you and increased your belief in God? Think about it and get ready to share during the last 10 minutes of fellowship today. God bless you!
To learn more on this topic, please read these related messages
FINAL MESSAGE
I pray that God will see those who faithfully shared the testimonies that have touched them. By His grace, they will experience God in a new and amazing way. They will come out of their next challenge with a big testimony that others will be emboldened by and key into for their own breakthrough.
Lord, Your children have shared in faith. Let Your compassion combine with their act of faith that they may witness to Your glory and strength again and again, IJMN, Amen.
With that, have a good weekend, folks. See you next week, by God's great grace.
From M22 - Thank you Abba for sis @FFJ for continually strengthening her to convene this community twice a week. Despite her commitments, Abba I bless you for impressing it on her heart to keep this movement going. I pray that you bless her, her family, the works of her hands and her ministry. IJMN amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, I would like to lift up today's participants unto You. Lord, meet them at their point of need. Be their Provider as You have proven Yourself as Jireh.
God, You know what pinches them. Create breathing room and in fact abundance and blessings on the issues that seek to constrain them. Please do this to Your glory and exaltation. That the world will say You are the greatest and only true God! And that the beneficiaries of Your grace will loudly testify to what You have done. May others be touched by this testimony and may You be glorified forever.
Hallelujah and in Jesus name I pray, Amen.
From M22 - I want to give God the glory for my twin. Her testimony still shakes me till date. She got admitted for graduate admissions and when it was time to apply for a visa. It felt like she wasn't going to get a date for appointment. She almost gave up but I bless God for sis @FFJ for her prayers and encouragement and encouraging her to always give thanksgiving. God saw her through and she got the visa. It is a testimony I will never forget because he really came through for her. I bless the Lord for his mercies.
From sis FJ - I was encouraged by someone's testimony, they were ex-occultism/witchcraft/new-age-spirituality. It boosted my faith by reminding me that there's more to life than the physical world, there is a spiritual realm, and we need to be on God's side because the darkness/evil will always be defeated by Him
Let me share someone's testimony.
It had me whooping and praising the Lord.
I pray it encourages others.
From M22 - Abba, I commit @AC and every single person waiting on your healing power. I pray Abba that you answer their prayers and perfect your healing in their lives. I pray that your healing power permeates every cell, organ, system, blood vessels and nerves endings. I pray you touch the heart and mind of every doctor , nurse, operating surgeon to use the right drugs, right technology and treatment. I pray Abba that they will testify to your mighty hand IJMN amen.
Good God, You are the Almighty. Nobody compares to You. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for people that they come to a knowledge of You as You promised in Jeremiah 24:7. Thank You for giving people a desire for You. Thank You for whetting their appetites for more of You. Thank You for letting hearts clamor for You. Thank You for kindly pouring out Your Spirit on all mankind in accordance with Your word in Joel 2:28. Be glorified, Lord our Redeemer.
Now and forever more, IJMN, Amen.
From sis FJ - Abba in Jesus name, please have mercy on your people and provide all their needs according to Your riches in glory. Do not let the enemy gloat over Your chosen people. Let it be known that only You are God, and You are capable of filling every word You have spoken. Amen
LAST 10 MINUTES
Have you heard a testimony from someone else that encouraged and changed you? I'm not talking about a testimony that you heard, smiled, and then forgot within less than a day.
No, I'm asking about a testimony that transformed your faith and took it up a notch. A testimony about what God did for someone that you remember to this day and each time you think of it, you are reminded that God is a miracle worker.
Please share that testimony to not only build the faith of others who will read it but, most importantly, to give God the glory for what He did for that person.
From M22 - Abba, you said in the book of Matthew that children belong in your kingdom and we as believers should adopt their curiosity and faith. I pray Abba that you will continue to protect every single child in this world from harm, violence, abuse and untimely death. Help them fulfil their God-given purpose and help them advance your kingdom here on earth. I pray for children that have died in conflicts, war, abusive situations and violence, that you comfort every single person that ever loved them and I pray that you accept their souls in your care amen.
Sovereign Lord. You are the Almighty. Full of power and might. I thank You for this opportunity to lift up the healing needs of my prayer subjects before You today.
Almighty God, Your word is clear in Isaiah 38:16 - Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. (CEV).
Father, I know that satan seeks to steal, kill and destroy. However, You are the God who said that You came to bring life and life to the fullest.
I therefore call on You, my Creator, to send forth Your word to heal the sick. Let Your word transform their diseased bodies and clouded minds. Uproot whatever You have not planted, Heavenly Father. Bring the enemy's plans to steal, kill and destroy to an end in the lives of my prayer subjects, IJMN, Amen. Make them healthy and strong again, IJN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba, I pray that you put an end to the ongoing violence in the world. I know it's not your joy to see casualties and people at war. I pray that you put an end to all of this chaos Abba. I pray that you touch the heart of every world leader, governments, agencies and communities to come together to make peace. I pray that your peace in Phillipians 4:19 will guard the hearts and minds of people that are working towards peace and ending this conflicts IJMN amen
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your kindness and mercy. Thank You for being the God whom we come to. The God who hears and answers our prayers.
Lord, I lift up the issue of poverty. People are starving around the world, unable to find resources for their immediate needs such as food, medicine, housing. God, I call on You in accordance with Your word in Psalm 12:5 - But you, LORD, tell them, "I will do something! The poor are mistreated and helpless people moan. I'll rescue all who suffer." (CEV). Dear God, move on behalf of these ones. You see their suffering and their pain. You are the God who has promised to show mercy and compassion to those whom You will show mercy and compassion. May these ones be recipients of this grace, IJMN, Amen. IJN, I break the spirit of poverty in any form upon these ones. For Jesus died to set every captive free and thus anyone stuck in a structure of poverty and lack has access to the abundance and provision of the Lord through the name of Jesus in which I pray. Amen.
Remember Your word in Psalm 22:26 - The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever!
Make a mockery of the enemy and its plans to keep people in deprivation, my King. For the word states and I believe it to be true that for those in need, My God will supply their need according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). You are not a stingy or lacking God, so Father, pour out upon those struggling in poverty, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba, I pray for couples seeking the fruit of the womb. You answered Hannah and Rachel's cries. I pray that you answer their cries. Give them their own babies Abba. I pray that you help them nourish and nurture them and they grow in your ways IJMN amen.
Heavenly Father, I give You all the praise. Thank You for being the God who has good plans for His children. Thank You for being the God who blesses all people, even those who don't acknowledge You. You are king and merciful and You deserve all the glory!
Lord, I lift up people seeking accommodation. Father, Your word tells us in Psalm 127:1 - Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. There is nothing that a person seeks that they should not look to You to provide.
So for those in search of accommodation, I lift this issue to You and call on You to honor Your word in John 3:27 - To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. Father, lead them to Your promise as contained in Isaiah 32:18 - My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Settle the living situations of those looking to You on this issue, IJMN, Amen.
From BI - Lord, I lift into Your capable hands all who are suffering from depression. Silence the lies of the devil in their ears. Let them know that if God is all they have, they have all they need. Lord, let them feel the warmth of Your love and Your incredible peace in their lives. Free them from anxiety and stress. Abba, remove all confusion and restore order to their lives. Lord, grant them the sense of Your presence and strength. May they see Your hand, Will and purpose through all things IJMN Amen.
PRAYER TIME
And now, prayers for the people we know and the ones we don't.
Lift up the needs of others and call on the Lord to help people with the challenges they face.
Ask Him to do miracles in their lives and pray that you will hear their testimonies.
From BI - King of kings
Lord of lords
Alpha and Omega
Adonai
Elohim
Lion of the tribe of Judah
Living water
Righteous One
The great I am
El Roi
Jehovah Ropheka
Lord of hosts
Lord of armies
Rock of ages
El Gibbor
My Abba Father, to You be all glory, honour and adoration!
Hallelujah!!
Lord, I thank You for the people You brought my way this week.
I am grateful for Your grace and mercy upon their lives.
Take all the glory, God, for what You are doing for them.
Thank You so very much.
Hosannah in the highest!