Dear Church,
Like many of you, I have heard and read amazing and powerful stories of the transforming work of God in bringing people to saving faith in Jesus Christ through miraculous conversions – sinners of the worst sort suddenly realizing their desperate need for a savior and turning to Jesus Christ in a life changing moment. It can be easy for us to fall into the trap of comparing our faith journey with others who have a remarkable conversion story and believing that God is somehow less glorified through the work he has done in our own lives.
As I shared yesterday, the story of God’s work in my life doesn’t include a conscious moment of conversion but it does include redemption, repentance, and change in Jesus Christ. I’ve spoken to other believers who have a similar background and want to encourage you that even if you feel you don’t have a conversion story, you still have a testimony.
The work of God in our lives doesn’t stop at conversion. If you are a believer then there is evidence of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in your life no matter what stage of the Christian walk you might currently find yourself. Remember that:
- Sanctification, the means by which we are conformed to the image of Christ, is a lifelong process. (Hebrews 10:14, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Philippians 3:10-14)
- God’s presence and provision are with us all the days of our lives. (Matthew 7:9-11, Matthew 28:20, Psalm 23:6)
In the same way our testimonies – our personal stories that bear witness to the work of God in our lives – continue to have new chapters written.
Have you considered how you might share the stories of God’s faithfulness in your own life with others? In our walk with Christ, God brings transformation to our lives through his:
- Presence (Psalm 73:21-28)
- Provision (Psalm 147)
- Protection (Psalm 46)
- Peace (Psalm 121)
(All of which are also portrayed in Psalm 23!)
By continuing to share these experiences we declare the works of the Lord to each other and to future generations of believers.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Be encouraged,
Brother Dave
