The Power Of Testimony

The Power of Testimony

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

FANS OF SPORTS DYNASTIES love to talk about their team’s great victories and lasting dominance. They boast about winning seasons, “miracle” plays, star athletes, come-from-behind wins, record-setting performances, and pennants on display. They wear their team’s brand on their clothes and cars. They exhaust others with trash talk and their team’s exploits—exploits they had nothing to do with, by the way—but they carry on anyway. There’s glory in victory, even a vicarious one.

God has an awesome track record, but his people—like sports fans of mediocre or losing teams—often bring a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately attitude into the relationship. We would never phrase it that way, and when asked to identify what we’re grateful to God for—often around Thanksgiving—we usually have no problem coming up with some standard and meaningful answers. But do we brag on him? Recount his amazing exploits? Talk about his astonishing abilities? Hang his pennants from the rafters of our own minds and conversations? Perhaps sometimes, but not often enough. Talking about God can be even more provocative than talking about sports and politics. We often refrain from being too vocal.

But testimonies about God carry power and stir up faith. When we get specific about answered prayers, miraculous provision, or the joy and beauty of his blessings, we cultivate an environment of faith for them to happen again and again. There’s no need to force those conversations on people; when we’re really grateful, they overflow from our hearts and mouths. Even when we recall the testimonies of ages past—not only from the Bible but from the lives of people who have experienced his presence and power—his presence and power come alive in our minds. We adopt a heavenly perspective and realize just how far his victories extend.

Practice the power of testimony. Bring God’s track record into today’s memories and conversations. Let your heart be filled with faith again and again. Praise him for what he has done—and expect him to do it again.

Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little.