Wow! That’s what I thought when a common explanation I often use to describe my testimony for God was challenged. Now don’t get upset or testy on my behalf because this was a great lesson for me-and I hope-to others, who were listening, as well!
A dear sweet sister in Christ, we’ll call her Glenda, because that’s her name, really called me out during our sewing ministry session. The day began in prayer and fellowship and we got down to business cutting bear patterns and quilt squares. After a little while, she asked about my testimony. I began by telling her my mom wasn’t a Christian and how I didn’t understand how she couldn’t believe after my traumatic birth.
I continued my story, my testimony for God, by saying I often told my mom I wasn’t sure what God has in store for me and Glenda stopped me in my tracks! She said, “Don’t you dare say that! How can you say that? You are here for this very moment. You are here to be a wife and mother to those beautiful girls! Don’t you dare let me hear you say you don’t know why you’re here!”
Albeit our wires got crossed because I know my purpose for the here and now is to raise my girls in the nurturing and admonition of the Lord. However, her critique of my comment has made me think. What if by sharing my testimony like that I’ve driven people away from God instead of to Him?
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My intention with my testimony has always been to show people how I came to be was nothing less than a miracle and God’s divine intervention! I never meant to imply that God is withholding His direction in my life; He simply hasn’t revealed all of the map to me. I have clear direction and purpose and I know the final destination. The only thing missing is the road beyond the high beams!
The road is there I just can’t see all of it yet. That’s where faith in God comes in! I’m in wilderness survival training, trying not to miss the forest for the trees. Glenda’s scolding has definitely caused a shift in my mindset and that is part of God’s plan too. Another portion of my map was revealed through her comment. It has helped me to reword and reflect on my testimony so I don’t lead nonbelievers to focus on the trees and miss the forrest!
Have you ever been impacted by a statement(testimony for God) that brought you to understanding?
Paula Jean is the founder of Krafty Koncessions, a Christian lifestyle blog where faith meets creativity. She writes about prayer, overcoming, and walking closer with Christ.
