The Word of our Testimony
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…”
I am a firm believer that one of the most powerful tools we have as believers is our personal testimony. We should all be prepared to share the story of how we met Jesus and the changes He has made in our lives–whenever and wherever God opens the door. Every testimony of a transformed life has an impact. Some have more a more dramatic, life-changed-in-an-instant testimony; others have the less dramatic, but still life-changing testimony.
I love the spontaneous sharing of testimonies that happens during times of fellowship or sharing one-on-one. But it has been on my heart to include more testimonies as part of our women’s events. Yes, we want to teach the Word at every event. But when I saw this graphic, it rang true with me. Often, just hearing someone else’s story of how Jesus changed their life is the “key that unlocks someone else’s prison.” And often, just in the sharing of “our story” we are strengthened as we remember the miracle that God did in our own life!
There is one caution as you consider having someone share their testimony from the pulpit in front of the group at your retreat or women’s event. The enemy attacks those who agree to share their testimony–you can count on it. As much as possible before asking someone to share in front of your group, make sure that their foundation is sure. Don’t call on someone new to the faith (or as I Timothy puts it “not a novice”). Make sure you have seen the solid foundation in their life (or as I Timothy phrases it “let these also be proved”).
Today I am going to share with you a Bible reading activity that we have done now at two of our retreats that has elicited an amazing response from the women.
Take a look at one of our table centerpieces from our last retreat. Our retreat theme “Deeper Still” used ocean decor. This could be used for any retreat theme where you are decorating with an ocean or beach theme.
One of our goals in women’s ministry is to serve and build up the women of our church body. As we plan for Bible studies and others women’s events for the coming year, we try to consider women in all stages and walks of life: younger women or older women; women who are single and those who are married; career women or stay-at-home moms; women with special needs, etc. As much as possible, we want our studies and events to be all-inclusive, open and applicable to all women. To that end, last year we added two regular Saturday morning events during the year, hoping to draw in those women who are unable to join us for events taking place during the week. Also, for that reason, the same women’s Bible study is offered both morning and evening to accommodate working women and stay-at-home moms. Our prayer is that the options available would draw in women “on the fringes.”
