This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
1 Timothy 1:15-16 NKJV
Why do we share our testimonies? Why do we live according to the mandates and instruction of God to the best of our ability...and ultimately according to His best through us?
In adoration - Acknowledging the awesomeness of His being; taking time to worship, revere, and glorify Him without asking for anything at that moment.
In appreciation - Because He first loved us, expressing it in the ultimate way: sacrifice of Jesus Christ, giving His life for ours.
In thanksgiving - Stating our gratitude for the personal and individual ways He has helped and blessed every time we tell it.
To encourage - That others may witness His work of love and compassion, with His correction and discipline in our lives; we who were once evil, mean, entrapped, floundering, sinning, rebelling...lost without Him, but are now forgiven and on His course for our lives.
To exalt - Lifting up evidence of the power of His authority, and His power in our lives, increasing hope in hearts that are struggling, weary, wondering, wandering and just barely holding on.
To reveal - Because we just can't hold it in: disclosing what/how He has done, the magnitude of His love for us; and what He pours in and over us is too great to not share it in word and deed. (Granted there are some things that may be confidential; however, the handiwork of His love still shows forth in the way we now live and carry ourselves.)
To remind - Fortifying our resolve of the success and victory we have in God when opposition and attack present themselves.
As we take stock of what the Lord has done, how far He has brought us, how He has come through - comforting, providing, protecting, healing, leading/guiding, warning; it is all too much to hold in. Our desire becomes that of a people to present and offer what He has given us...Himself; unselfishly and withholding no good thing from us according to His will and delight.
As we tell it...as we show it, we encourage those who receive it; but we also encourage ourselves. Our strength, motivation and determination to continue in Him are simultaneously galvanized. This is just how awesome His love system is - we can never run out; for He is perpetually replenishing - pouring in as we pour out, and even greater is His pour. Glory to God!
So, share those testimonies. Strive to live in and for Him. Seek Him for ways to extend what He gives you. Endeavor to be His living witnesses of Who He is - the Lord God Almighty, our Father, Salvation, Deliverance, Health and Wholeness, Provision, Protection, Peace, Joy, Patience, and Shepherd...our I AM in all things. Live to be His pattern in the earth, wherever He may have you, for those who shall believe on Him, those who need to return their hearts to Him, and those who already are, but having hearts needing uplifting.
Join me in exclaiming, "God is so great that I just can't hold it in."
Amen.