“Sabrina, do you have a testimony that you’d like to share?” was the request from one of my pastors. There is an outreach event planned, open to the general public, but targeting youth and young adults.
(insert silence and pounding heartbeat here. *thump, thump, thump*)
“You can get back to me later”.
Hmmm, testimony? I could find something to say, I suppose. Then begins the internal battle of what if they don’t like what I have to say? Then God swiftly reminds me that my testimony isn’t about me. This is a chance to tell about His goodness. It’s about Him and how He’s taken care of me.
The best approach is sheer honesty. I will be real. I will tell the truth. My life isn’t full of those glowing grace-filled angel singing redemptive from the brink of damnation moments. I grew up in a strong Christian home, raised by praying parents who did their best to teach me what they know about God. They worked to find a healthy balance between shelter and exposure. I didn’t have to live life selfishly; I could always look for lesson in any given situation. I was encouraged to study the Bible for myself, to not just adopt whatever someone said. And so I did. It made a world of difference.
My life isn’t filled with years of spiritual rebellion as some of my peers have and are currently experiencing. Actually, by their standards, my life is incredibly dull. Many of them have stopped associating with me because I seem perfect. But I’m not and nor do I try to act perfect. Knowing God for myself, having my own personal relationship with Him, has made it easier to stand up to the jokes, the mockery and the ridicule. Sometimes living for Christ is a very lonely way to live. However, once you understand and appreciate that you are priceless to the One who created you, it’s not so lonely. There are no calculations big enough to measure the cost of Someone dying for you.
It’s okay to make sounds choices. And even if you can’t explain your decisions, it’s still okay to say no until you’re certain that it’s right. It’s also okay to make decisions even when you’re the only one who thinks that way. Obedience to God leads to countless blessings. It allows me to be a blessing to someone else. I have yet to meet another person who can offer me heaven or an equally attractive version of paradise.
Following God is not a cake walk. You’re not guaranteed an easy button, allowing you to escape from all of life’s heartaches, trials and drama. In fact, the devil will often use those closest to you in order to distract your attention from God. But trusting God, living for Him means that your life will be better, in a way that unique to you.
I think I figured out what I will share in a couple weeks.
Real talk. Real life.
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It’s been a few weeks since I’ve participated in five-minute Friday. I’ve missed it. I carved out a few minutes (well, longer than 5 today) to write something this morning. There’s something very soothing about honest writing.
Why don’t you give it a try. Set a timer for five minutes and just write. Whatever comes to mind, pour it out into visible format. It can be as profound or as light as you wish. (I wonder if anyone will question if it’s real meat in hotdogs?? Just an example.) Click the link below to participate and read some other “real” renditions.
