I hate to see myself on video. Absolutely hate it. I’m getting over myself, though, to share a little more of my story with you.
Weeks ago, the church I call home started a Testimony Challenge on Facebook. The purpose? To spread the name of Jesus faster and farther than the coronavirus. The instructions: To post a video testimony of God’s work in your life and challenge 10 others to do the same. Watching the responses of church members – some I know personally and some I don’t – has been such an encouragement to me during a discouraging time for our country.
When a church staffer threw down the gauntlet (in the best possible way), I broke with lockdown tradition and put on makeup, fixed my hair and pointed the iphone in my direction. Below is an abbreviated recounting of the many ways God has blessed me, taught me and been faithful to me as I’ve walked (sometimes stumbled) through life with Him.
If you are tired of all the bad news, look on Facebook at 121 Community Church or search #testimonychallenge. Or get in on the challenge yourself. Post your testimony to social media. And please post the link in the comments below. Let’s fling His fame all over the internet!
If you want to know more about how to walk with Christ and experience His faithfulness for yourself, please comment below or go to the Contact page on this blog to send me a private message. Nothing would bring me more joy than talking to you about Him!
And now for this week’s featured post!
Susan Nowell of My Place to Yours challenged me to think outside the walls of my home once the world starts to return to normal. I was convicted of my selfish thinking, but also related to the fears and concerns so vulnerably expressed by the author. Read Thinking Ahead: What Will Coming Together Look Like When #stayathome Ends for this call to the global church.
Now for this week’s link-up! Let’s bless and encourage one another in our walk with the Lord.
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Maree Dee
Lauren Sparks
Heather Hart & Valerie Riese
Lisa Burgess
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Oh Lauren, I feel like I’ve met you face to face! Thank you for sharing your story … I see peace. I see joy.
Linda, if you see those things it is only Him in me. Thanks so much for saying so.
Lauren, I was surprised and humbled to see my post featured here today. Thank you for sharing it to encourage us all to prayerfully prepare for what “the other side” of these stay-at-home days.
Thank you, also, for sharing your testimony. I am praying for you this morning, especially for the tragic situation you referenced. I greatly appreciate your choice to not tell a story that belongs primarily to someone else; that shows a maturity and restraint so many tend to disregard.
It was my pleasure, Susan. And thank you for the kind words and prayers.
This is a great exercise! Our church did it last year. We had to post our own ‘Story of Salvation’. It’s so encouraging to hear how God is at work in each other’s lives.
I agree, Christine. And praying for unbelievers to hear and respond.
Your video is wonderful! You look beautiful and this is such an awesome challenge. Thanks for sharing!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
You are too kind, Katherine.
What a wonderful idea … online testimonies. I love the idea of spreading the gospel faster than the coronavirus! I’ll check it out.
So encouraging for believers and hoping many unbelievers will hear and respond.
Lauren, I have tears in my eyes as I type this. For someone who was fearful of making a video, you have done an amazing job delivering a very impactful message. You have such a beautiful soul and such an inspiring outlook. I couldn’t agree with you more on this message. Stay well, stay safe, stay healthy and keep shining that vibrant light of yours!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
You are always so kind, Shelbee. Thanks for the encouragement.
Lauren, I was encouraged by your video. You did a great job, and I enjoyed hearing your voice! Blessings to you, and I’m praying for you and your family today.
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Sarah!
I don’t like doing videos either. 🙂 But I do love seeing others’ videos. So happy to see you! What a beautiful testimony. Such a blessing that you did the video! I loved Susan’s post as well.
Praying for your family and for you to continue feeling the Lord hold you, Lauren. Stay safe and well.
You are so encouraging, Lisa. Thank you so much.
I agree with everyone here. What a wonderful testimony and a way to bring others together in your church community and beyond. And to be praying for others as Jesus taught us to do.
Thank you, Lynn.
What a wonderful idea your church…and what a challenge! I’m still not sure I could make myself get behind the camera!! (Something to deal with there, I totally admit!) But, Lauren, I was so incredibly blessed by your testimony! Yes, we have a personal, loving – and kind! – Savior who gives us exactly what we need in order to bring Him glory. And that is exactly what your testimony did. Thank you for being willing to get behind the camera! I pray God will use your willingness to do so in order to bring someone to Christ!
I have the same prayer, Jennifer. Thank so much for the encouraging words.
Lauren, your video was great. I am a little bashful as well and not yet comfortable with seeing my face in video. God bless your family and the trials you referred to. I will be praying for you and with you that God will help you, show you favor, and bless you. In Jesus precious Name.
Thank you for the prayers, Sylvia. I appreciate it more than you know.