Growing up in rural Jamaica, Sunday morning services included a time for the people of God to share testimonies. Additionally, the midweek evening service in my small village church was called “Prayer and Testimony Meeting.” Today, it seems as if testimonies are nonexistent in churches. I strongly believe this is an insidious ploy of Satan to weaken the body of Christ. Revelation 12:11 informs us that
“…they [the people of God] overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
I remember the saints of God from my tiny village church in Jamaica who always shared their testimonies. Even though I was not aware of it at the time, those testimonies helped to strengthen my faith. These people of God lived in harsh conditions including ill health and very humble dwellings that many of us would now disdain. However, their faces usually shone with joy, and they were always generous and caring. Today, we pursue material possessions such as luxurious cars, well-appointed homes, thriving businesses, high educational attainment, money, and prestigious positions, to name a few. Meanwhile, our relentless comparison fed by social media inhibits our gratitude for the tremendous blessings of God in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 10:12, we are warned against indulging in comparison:
“For we dare not number ourselves, or compare ourselves, with some who commend themselves. For in measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, they are not wise.”
I think it is time for us as Christians to share our testimonies to help us overcome the evil one who is doing everything to steal our peace, joy, love, and the harmony in our relationships. So, let me share a testimony.
About twelve years ago, a dear sister in Christ shared a dream with me that she had about me. Before sharing the dream, she asked me if I believe in evil. Thinking that she was referring to witchcraft or other occult practices, I laughed and said no. She responded that she was not referring to occult practices. She then proceeded to tell me that in her dream, she saw me surrounded by overwhelming evil. Concerned, she pleaded with God, “She is so small—how will she bear it?” The answer came: “She will bend, but she won’t break.” Well, I did not take her seriously because I thought it was just a fanciful dream. However, six years ago, my world turned upside down— overwhelming challenges hit every part of my life simultaneously: health, family, finances, relationships, even church. I continue to be pounded by some of these trials, but through it all, God has never left my side. Indeed, I have been bent, but I have not been broken. Today, I can testify that I’m still here, standing strong and grateful only because of the grace, mercy, and power of God. Praise be to our most glorious Triune God!
Living Water 