Remembering Testimony – Day 33

Truth:

“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” Genesis 9:16 (New International Version)

Thought:

In ancient times, a sign of a covenant was the one making the promise would turn the bow around so an arrow would face him, if it was “loaded.” He’d pull the string and declare the oath. This was a way to say, “If I break this covenant, my life is forfeit.”

God did exactly the same thing when He gave Noah and all creation the rainbow in the sky. It’s as if He’s holding the bow against himself every time the rainbow appears.

I love rainbows. They remind me to remember that God is really, really good.

When in this world we have trouble, or even when we choose busy-ness to rule in our lives, remembering to remember is the first thing we forget.

Let’s never forget the power of testimony.

Marketing mavens know the value of a “social proof.” You need to have testimonials of your products or services on your website. But for the follower of Christ, testimony is even more powerful.

Testimony literally means the “story, or report, of one.” Testimony is powerful because it is immediate, direct and personal. It isn’t a story about something or a report about what somebody else said or did. It’s not a theory or hypothesis or hope. It is a personal description of your own direct experience.

So how often do you remember the good things God has done for you?

This is one area I need to improve on. God can bring to my memory incredible things He’s done for me… and He often does when I wait on Him and listen to what He says. But most of the things I journal are in the dark days of my life. I write when I finally realize I can’t do anything but cry out to God. And too often I forget to write down His answer. I know He answers because I know He’s good and I know I’m facing new challenges today than the ones He helped me overcome… as some people say “new level, new devil.”

Testimony is a powerful tool for us to use to remember. So keep a spiritual journal. What is God telling you today? What is He revealing to you? What verses came alive to you? If you keep track of your prayer requests, keep track of their answers as well. If you write out your laments like the Psalms, remember to praise Him for answers that have come. I often put updates in my personal journals but to do so; I need to remember to read the journal regularly. That may help you as well. Take time to remember by reading your journal.

Now testimony is great for us as individuals, but its true power comes in community. If you have an accountability partner, hold each other accountable to talk about the good things God is doing. Be accountable for destiny. When there’s opportunity to share in your church or on the street – make the most of it, remembering to do it with gentleness and respect. That’s why you have a story to remember.

Your story influences others to trust God and praise God and turn to God in their own circumstance. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a follower of Christ for decades or have just begun the journey today, your story is important.

The most fun I have in life is to talk to new believers who bring newness to truths that I have taken for granted. Visiting with seniors who share their stories of God’s goodness is also great… come to think of it – I like being around people who talk about the good things of God.

I need to be one of those people so people around me will be more like those kinds of people as well.

Will you be one?

Sharing with others your personal interactions with God enables you to strengthen yourself in the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to remember the good things You’ve done. Spirit, empower me to tell others about how good You are.  I know it helps me to strengthen myself in You and I know it releases something in the heavens, because even angels long to look into the mysteries of God.

Challenge:

Start a journal today, or write in your journal today. Make it a journal to remember the goodness of God. Record what you can remember from your past, or write down what God is revealing to you today. Write in it regularly and read it often.

Declaration:

I choose not to be discouraged. I choose to look to God instead of my circumstance. I choose to strengthen myself in the Lord.

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Thanks for helping others live life above the negativity!