Introduction

There are few things more powerful than personal testimony. It's one of our greatest weapons against the enemies of God and the accuser of our souls (the devil). In fact, the Bible puts it like this: And they [Christians] overcame him [the enemy] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (Revelation 12:11).

Testimony is simply a history with God. It is your account of what God has done in your life, and how He has shown up in a mighty way. It is the proof of God working in your life. The Bible says that this has immense power to overcome, or resist, the works of the devil. This means that having a history with God is critical, not only for when opposition comes, but when it is time to step out in faith and do good works for Him.

Verses

I Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭34-37 "But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” Moreover David said, “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!”"

Hebrews 11 - Hall of Faith (stories and accounts of people who showed tremendous faith) Hebrews 11:39a "And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith..."

History with God

A history with God is a proven relationship cultivated by spending time with Him. I've been filled with the Holy Spirit and really walking with God for 10 years now. In that time I have proven God's faithfulness in my life through relationship and fellowship with Him. When David faced Goliath, a foe that all of Israel was scared of, he knew that God would be with him. He had faced a lion and a bear when he was away from the crowds and support, and the Lord delivered him. David was confident, that even when facing a giant, that God was still good and still in control. David had spent time proving God in private, and when his public moment came, he knew that God was with him, and stepped out in faith.

Private battles will prepare you for public encounters.

Proving God through a relationship allows you to step out in faith when everything around you says not to do it. Why? When you hear God saying "yes" and the whole world seemingly says "no," you will be inclined to believe who you trust the most. Building a relationship with God builds trust and trust builds faith.

It's important to remember though, faith can be risky, sometimes we may not know the outcome, we just have to trust God. We can choose to step out in faith even if we haven't seen God do what we're asking (David may never have heard of a giant being slayed, but he knew God was with him, and that was enough for him). When we have tasted and seen the goodness and love of God, we are confident in this: He is faithful and works all things for the good of those who love Him.

Activation

This week, spend time with God in prayer and worship, and ask Him to conform your heart to His. David asked the Lord to "create in [him] a clean heart" (Psalm 51:10). I believe God honors that prayer. Praying that with your whole heart will give God access to your heart. Pray it daily and see how God changes your character to conform to His Will.