Have you ever had someone come to you with a problem or been in a place in life where there seemed to be no clear answer or help? How many of us are guilty of searching for solutions to our issues everywhere except in God? I know I would be the first to raise my hand to say I have. I have also, like many others, been guilty of hearing someone else’s problems and inadvertently default to basic Band-Aid advice that the world would offer instead of pointing them to our Almighty, Ever Present, Healing God.
I recently heard a song that really brought this concept home for me. Anne Wilson wrote a song titled “My Jesus.” When I first heard it, I had a slight heart conviction, wondering how many times did I walk away from someone, scrolled through a conversation or kept moving through posts on my socials, seeing that someone was hurting or wrestling in life, and I didn’t reach out to share the ultimate source of hope and peace? How often have I replied to a cry for help with, “have you tried this product or read this book”? Let me tell you about (fill in the blank) when truly what they needed was encouragement through the words of my testimony and directing them to Jesus.
Lysa Terkeurst once wrote, “God’s message of hell-defeating hope is often most powerfully preached from the lips of those whose pain has been turned into the purpose of telling people about what God has done in their lives. Jesus brought the blood. We can bring the words of our testimony. We must let God’s word become the words we live by. Let us let our personal testimonies of God’s goodness in our own lives be a beacon of hope and encouragement to others.”
As I said before, my initial reaction to hearing this song was a bit of an OUCH. I cringed at my lack of action in the past. But the Holy Spirit whispered to me ever so gently that all was lost, and I should listen to the song again. The next time I heard the song, instead of an “ouch,” an AMEN and excitement built up within me. Like the excitement, you feel when you have big life-changing news (akin to pregnancy or engagement or new job etc.). You just can’t hold in due to the overflow of joy in your heart. Reminding me of Revelation 12:11: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. “Jesus brought the blood when he sacrificed Himself on the cross for ALL of us so we can do our part of the equation by telling the world about our Jesus and what he has done for us.
My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
of your deeds of salvation all the day,
for their number is past my knowledge.
With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come;
I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
Psalm 71:15-16 (ESV).
Wilson starts her song by asking some pointed questions, ones that can pretty much apply to most people around us:
“Are you past the point of weary? Is your burden weighing’ heavy? Is it all too much to carry? (Hmm, sounds like anyone you know?) Do you feel that empty feeling? Cause shame’s done all its stealing, and you’re desperate for some healing? (Again, a familiar place for many people in this day and age)
“Let me tell you about my Jesus.
He makes a way where there ain’t no way. Rises up from an empty grave. Ain’t no sinner that He can’t save. His love is strong, and His grace is free. And the good news is I know that He can do for you what He’s done for me.
Let me tell you about my Jesus and let my Jesus change your life.
Who can wipe away the tears from broken dreams and wasted years and tell the past to disappear? And all the wrong turns that you would go and undo if you could? Who can work it all for your good? Who would take my cross to Calvary? Pay the price for all my guilt? Who would care that much about me?
Let me tell you about my Jesus!”
Hallelujah, let our stories get loud, sharing triumphantly what God has done for us and through us.
Father God, thank you that You are the answer no matter what we are going through. You are PEACE when we are unsettled. You are FREEDOM when we are in bondage. You are LOVE when we feel rejected and alone. Forgive us for the times that we overlooked the POWER of who You are in our lives and failed to share that “good news” with those around us. May we take today to remember all You have done in our lives and be prepared to share our testimonies with those who so desperately need Hope! We love You and are so beyond grateful for Your shed blood for us! Amen
Your Turn! Share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you!
