Wednesday, July 31, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Hands Off MY Testimony

Mark 5:19 ...Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.

I am sure we have all experienced people in our lives who have tried to tell us who we are, what we're capable of, how we should feel, and what we should do.  While wise counsel is definitely encouraged throughout God's Word, it is important to be extremely selective over whom you allow to speak into your life. Most importantly, you should always weigh what people say with God's Word.

In John 8:12-13, Jesus declares that He is "the light of the world." That proclamation did not set well with the religious leaders. The Pharisees told Him, "You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is NOT valid."

The Pharisees did not understand Jesus and denied His power. Likewise, there will always be people who do not understand you and do not understand the power of God inside of you. Consequently - out of their fear, jealousy, and ignorance - they will try to tell you what your testimony is, but Jesus gives us insight on how to handle our "Pharisees" in verse 14. He replies, "...These claims ARE valid even though I make them about Myself. For I KNOW where I came from and where I am GOING, but you don't know this about me."

You see, not everyone will understand where you came from...and how far you have come....or where you are going. You probably can't convince them either. However, when YOU know who you are and where you are GOING, it really doesn't matter. When you are in motion going somewhere, those words have much more difficulty attaching themselves to you. When you are idle, uncertain as to who you are, and lack God's presence in your life, it's easy to believe what the "Pharisees" say...and to miss out on what God has for you.

Your past mistakes and history do not disqualify you for being used by God. He has great plans for you. Don't allow others to dictate YOUR testimony. The things that you have gone through (or are going through) are YOUR testimony.

I challenge you today to believe what God says about you and to use your testimony to bring you into the next season of your life and to inspire others.

Dear Lord, I thank You that the things I have gone through - even the mistakes that I have made - can be used to tell a story of YOUR grace and love. Thank You for Your faithfulness.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.