PCIM

Recently, someone mentioined to me that she didn't have
a testimony. Not the way many of us do, according to her.

I told her that, back in the early '80's, I had thoughts, much
like hers. Back then, I asked the Lord to give me a testimony
and, soon, I realized that I already had one.

You see, without a God, Who answers prayer, I wouldn't be
here. My testimony may not be the same as someone, who
has gone to Africa and performed some mind-shattering ministry,
there. Mine may not be the same as David Wilkerson's because
he allowed himself to be used of the Holy Spirit, back in the '50's
and the result is a worldwide street evangelism ministry, originally
known as Teen Challenge.
My testimony isn't even the same as our own Parson.
But, the Holy Spirit began to use me, as soon as I was willing.l I've performed interpretations of songs, in churches, camps, rally's, etc. for over 25 years and, although this means very little, to the Deaf, I've seen it bring a small churchful of people to repentance before.

So, what makes a testimony?
Some would use their afflictions that have been overcome. Others would use their conquering a specific sin. Still others would think of God's provision as reason for testifying and I will never say any of these isn't a testimony that will lift the Lord's work up, amongst us.

However, when someone sits around and holds onto what the Lord has done or what the Lord has provided, without allowing Him praise and glory and honor for it, I think that person needs to realize how much ministry he/she is not allowing to happen.

So, when we're faced with a problem, we should wait until the Holy Spirit brings us out and then praise Him like the sun would stop shining if we didn't/

AMEN!!!

I'd like to add to this: Our testimony, from the past, can come back to help us, in future times of need. I am thinking of when I left Middle Georgia, for Bible School, in August, 1981, and Mom all but disowned me (though, being a mother, she couldn't complete that demand).
After the Lord provided my way, the entire time I was in school, I knew where to look, when I saw Helen's despair, when she thought we would lose the house.
She'd sat with me for a month, while I was in a coma, and didn't expect the money to pay the house payment to be available.
Well, the job, the Lord gave her, included a boss, who has a heart the size of Alaska.
When she returned to work, he told her he'd taken the liberty to deposit her pay checks. All we had to do was pay a late fee and.....GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST....we're still living in the same house.