Over years ministry, I have learned one thing “Keep doing the next thing and trust God.” Sometimes it feels like a slog and other times a head-long race downhill. Sometimes it feels like exhilarating success and others humbling failure. Yet all I can do is ‘the next thing.’
In Romans 8 Paul writes that we are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Most times I do not so much feel this but instead know it. In Revelation we read of those who “overcome” (conqueror) and are given the secret of their success. They overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” The secret is a trust in the overcoming power of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He has accomplished all necessary for us to live lives of overcoming.
Our part is actually quite small. It is by our ‘testimony.’ Too often we think of testimony as a verbal recitation of our story of salvation, but if you were called in court to be a character witness for a friend you would need to say more than simply how you met! You would need to share your friend’s attributes and how you have experienced them. To be a good witness though you would need more. Your testimony would have to stand up against cross examination. Your whole relationship would have tremendous bearing on your testimony.
It is important to remember who the testimony is about. While it might be my story to tell it is about Jesus and His faithfulness. I think it is a good disciple to sit down periodically and craft a testimony. If I have difficulty it will point to a coolness in my relationship and afford me the opportunity to correct the course of this vital relationship.
But if the “word” of my testimony is to be effectual it must ring true to those who hear. My life and choices are as much a part of my ‘word of testimony’ as my words by themselves.
We live in difficult times. Overcoming is most challenging. If I rely on the dint of my own effort I will certainly fail. Trusting God and living for him are my ticket! It may not feel like ‘over coming’ but God’s ways are not our ways. So, through slog or head-long rush I want to choose the next thing and do it with all my heart, soul, and strength.
On another note, our first resident moved into Threshold House last Saturday and on Sunday our Night-time Pastor, moved in. We are thrilled that the long slog toward this day has ended. Already we are realizing that the impact of this “Year of the Lord’s Favour” is on families and not just individuals. We are already seeing some lovely developments in family lives. We look forward to welcoming more men in the months ahead. We had some sizable bills come in this month and we are trusting God to supply all our needs. Please pray for us.
Hope & Reedemption 