“Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness.” ~ Mark Twain
There is nothing more persuasive in the world than eyewitness testimony. Despite forensic evidence and gifted prosecutors, it’s hard not to be swayed by an eyewitness. Their testimony doesn’t mean they are always telling the truth. Many people are falsely accused and found guilty due to dishonest testimony. On that same note, many are redeemed and set free when someone found the courage to step forward and tell the truth. Science is more reliable than eyewitness testimony; however, eyewitness testimony is persuasive, encouraging, and many times necessary to move people to action.
Now the subject of God. Nobody has seen God, or have they? Jesus existed; there are many eyewitnesses to the fact, including non-Christians, e.g., Josephus. Many eyewitnesses watched Jesus perform miracles of all kinds. People from all sects of life watched him be nailed to a cross and crucified. You also have over five hundred people who gave eyewitness testimony to seeing, hearing, and touching the risen Jesus. Even the Jewish historian Josephus confirms that Jesus existed and died by crucifixion. Jesus told the disciples I am leaving and that the Holy Spirit would be with them. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they would do more extraordinary things than Jesus Himself (John 14:12). They were authentic eyewitnesses to the works of Jesus the Christ, and people believed. As a result of their persistent work, the good news of God has spread all around the world.
What about your story? What has God done in your life, and who have you told? Your testimony is as powerful as that of the disciples. When a preacher shouts out, “CAN I GET A WITNESS” there is power in the call and response of those affirming their testimonies. All sixty-six books of the Bible include stories and eyewitness accounts of how God has engaged and influenced humankind throughout history. Alcoholics Anonymous, which is the most effective solution for abstaining from alcohol, was founded on the premise of one alcoholic sharing their experience, strength, and hope with another.¹ The success of the fellowship of A.A. is nothing more than people sharing their testimonies. There is power in your testimony. Please share your eyewitness testimony for what God has done not only in your life but in the lives of others. Your testimony will lead people to God and possibly help avert misery and even death for some.
With today’s technology, you can share your testimony in countless ways. You can write it out and even publish it. You could write it down in journals and pass it on to your family. With social media so dominant in society, you could video your testimony and share it with the world via social media; who knows, it could go viral. Think how powerful it would be at your funeral if one of your family members read your testimony or they showed a video of your testimony during your service. Leaving something so sacred as part of your legacy will bless countless people for ages to come. Your testimony is a lot more valuable than leaving someone your furniture or rock collection. Nobody else can share your witness like you because it’s your testimony. Please share your testimony, and share it often. It’s the most important asset you possess.
Lord, thank You for touching my life through the witness of others. Please help me share my testimony of your impact on my life with as many people as possible until I come home to be with You in eternity. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine always materialize, now and forever, Amen.
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