Our youth group was hosting a free car wash when two people approached us without a car to wash. They wanted to know what we were doing and why. They attended a nearby church, and when they learned I was a pastor, one said, “Pastor, tell me something good.”
No Bible study or sermon. Just a good word.
I should’ve told them to sign up for my daily devotional or text messages. Instead, I told them what God was doing through our youth group. I shared the growth I was seeing in our young people. I got to brag on God. And these visitors got to hear how God’s Spirit was moving among their neighbors.
That’s the blessing of a testimony. We get to share the joy of what God is doing.
In 1 Thessalonians 3, Timothy returns with good news about the Thessalonians’ faith and love. Paul receives that news in the middle of distress and affliction. And their faithfulness encourages him so deeply that he writes, “For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord.”
Someone else’s faith is breathing life into him.
Unfortunately, we can hear what God is doing for someone else and start wondering why it hasn’t happened for us. That kind of comparison can take away the blessing of someone's testimony. But Paul hears the Thessalonian story and finds strength for his own.
We can learn to listen that way, too.
Pay attention when someone talks about finding courage, receiving kindness, or learning to pray again. Ask them how they've experienced grace. Let their story renew something within you.
Their testimony may not answer your questions or change your circumstances. But it can remind you that God is present and that God is working.
Sometimes good news from someone else helps us live again.
Stay blessed...john
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