I Just Came To Testify

As I sit in Panera Bread in Baton Rouge, LA, this morning, I am enjoying a wonderful cup of coffee.  As I look across the room, I see women of varying ages, and for some reason, it caused me to recall my years from childhood until now.  That’s a lot of years!

That walk down memory lane, brought a few smiles and even a few tears.  But, on that walk down memory lane,  I began to thank the One who has been by side – Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

I just came to testify!

I think all of us, who know Christ, need to take the stroll down memory lane occasionally. When we see how God has been with us in the past, it gives us faith for the “now” we are experiencing.  If you have heard me speak, you might have heard me burst out in song,  “If you could see where Jesus brought me from, to the place I am today, then you would know the reason why I love my Jesus sooooooo!”

I just came to testify!

Life will not be without sorrow.  It just won’t.  Sometimes the sorrow is unfair, unavoidable and so very painful.   My story is one of unshakable faith, as God has proven Himself to be a God who walks by my side.  He has sustained me, provided for me, and comforted me. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I believe Him, when He says, “I am never going to leave you, Barbara, never.”

I just came to testify.

Among my sorrows:

  • Childhood abuse on several levels
  • Poverty
  • Rejection because I didn’t fit in
  • Food addiction to try to take away the pain
  • Miscarriage
  • A teenage son with cancer
  • Church pain
  • Losing a son

My story has not always played out the way I wanted, but God is the writer of my story. The plot has a lot of twists and turns, but He is still writing wonderful chapters, and I know the ending will be outstanding.  He has carried me when I was at my lowest, and I can truly testify He has turned my mourning into dancing.  My Lord has taught me that  His love for me is greater than my greatest sorrow.

I just came to testify!

I thank God for my story!  I thank God for his redeeming power.  I want to steward well the story He has given me.  I want to give hope to others, when they feel that life has knocked the wind out of them.

I just came to testify!

We all have a story. And, I believe part of our story is using what we have been through, to help encourage someone else.  I made a choice to proclaim God’s love and power, rather than drown in a sea of bitterness.

What is your story? Will you allow God to heal your hurt?   Will you allow Him to write new chapters?  Will you use your story to lift another up?  Will you point them to the One who can offer hope and life?   Join me in doing that. 

I just came to testify!

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:21-23

2 thoughts on “I Just Came To Testify

  1. Beautifully said Barbara, thank you for sharing. We were without power for 2 days (38*) and I treated it like if we were camping, but the 3rd day of limited heat (58*), NO cable, TV or Internet, the Holy Spirit spoke to me saying, ‘Seek me’, ‘Seek me more’ and I did with a flashlight, ‘we’ too walked down Memory Lane of where I have been, and where HE has brought me today. OH there is still a lot of work in me to do, learn, and share, but your are so right HE is Faithful. I am learning that when we can appreciate HIS love for us and what HE is teaching us, it stirs up an excitement to see what tomorrow will bring. He will never leave us nor forsake us, God is GOOD…..
    Thank you, thank you, thank you Barbara.

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