The Power of Testimony - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) November 3, 2023
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
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