Michael Dinsmore is a relatively new Christian. One day he was given an opportunity to share his testimony in a prison. It had a tremendous effect on the inmates—some of the toughest guys broke down and started crying as Michael talked. Later, a few came up to him and said, “This is the most exciting meeting we’ve ever been to!” Michael was surprised. He asked them, “What did I say?” He was amazed that God had worked in mighty ways through his simple testimony.
In 1 Timothy, after Paul had charged Timothy to stay the course in guarding the gospel and in opposing certain teachers who were misleading people with false teachings (1 Timothy 1:1-11), the apostle shared his personal testimony to encourage his protégé (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Paul knew that instructions are never enough. Models—real living examples—are desperately needed.
The apostle testified about God’s mercy in his life. Even though he had been a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent of Christ, he was judged faithful and appointed to service (1 Timothy 1:12). And God also gave him the strength to do His work. What’s more, even though he was the worst of sinners, God saved him (1 Timothy 1:16).
Through Paul’s testimony, we plainly see God’s mercy and great patience. If God could use someone like Paul, He can use you and me. If He could save the worst of sinners, then no sinner is beyond His reach.
Today, our testimony of God’s work in our lives can be an encouragement to others. Your story just might encourage those who are feeling weary in living out their faith. Or perhaps others will realize that they, too, can believe in God and receive eternal life. So share your story. Let those around you know that the God of the stories in the Bible is still at work today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
More:
Read Psalm 145:4-13 to gain insight into the type of story you can tell.
Next:
How has God been patient with you? Who can you share your story with today?
AManofGod on March 26, 2011 at 4:17 am
None of us are deserving or worthy of the the love of God, yet He gives it to us! He knows all of our sins even before we committ them…and yet He still loves us and wants us! Regardless of what you and I have done God still wants a relationship with us! We must never say we are “too far gone” because if we truly were without hope of redemption why would God allow His only Son to suffer and die for us?
If every person you know has counted you out and refused you remember that Jesus NEVER EVER will do that! He wants us and will always accept us…..all we need do is seek him!
AManofGod
lindagma on March 26, 2011 at 6:08 am
It took my son years (and a faithful pastor) to realize that he didn’t have to be “good enough” to go to church. He kept thinking that he had to be perfect before God could accept him. On the other hand, there are those who don’t think they are “that bad” and don’t need forgiveness. The closer we come the Jesus the more we understand our need for Him and how great is His grace.
will77 on March 26, 2011 at 7:03 am
I could not begin to express how patient God has been with me…I asked Jesus to be my Lord 39 years ago when I was 8. I thank God I did it was real and I truly loved God. it saved not only my soul but mt life. I tested Gods love way more than I could have ever imagined and did things Im ashamed of. I dont know all the answers about once saved always saved can you lose your salvation or not. But as I went on after conversion at 8 yrs old and a sweet love of God and worship was developed and loved. I went to the extremes in going in the other direction of God, I have sinned more than you all, I was sure I topped that. I dont know how or why God did not give up on me why Im still alive other than to show the riches of His Grace and mercy to me. He kept me in the palm of His hand from the time I gave Him my heart at 8 years old and does to this day. I am not like I was but im not done yet either and He is still leading me with great love and gentle patience….Dont ever doubt God’s love for you or think you have gone to far He has a perfect love and He is faithful…and He will do it
cricket41 on March 27, 2011 at 9:43 am
Amen to all. I too thought that there was not a chance for God to love me. When your constantly as a child being told that you are going to hell, that God is mad at you, basically what I was taught was that there was no hope for me, and I grew up believing these lies. So why even go to church unless you are perfect. These horrible lies robbed me many many years of life, yet looking back I know and feel that He was ALWAYS with me. I was very angry at God for many years. Today I just want to share with everyone I see how God’s love and mercy and grace are available for free if only We make the decision to let God take control of it all. Everytime I think of this it hits my heart and is very emotional for me. God is here, alive, right now, right this second, all we have to do is let go. Thank you for letting me share….
poh fang chia on March 27, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Dear all,
Thank you for sharing your story. It reminds me that we have a real God who works in real people. Today, He is still touching life—tenderly and patiently. Praise the Lord. 🙂
cuddles on March 29, 2011 at 8:19 pm
I love this song by the hoppers:
I’ve come too far to look back again, there is nothing behind me, all the pleasures I used to know have all faded from view, there is a new day ahead for me my heartache is over I left it at calvary where my new life began. I’ve come too far to look back my feet have walked through the valley, I’ve climbed mountains, crossed rivers, desert places I’ve known but I’m nearing the home-shore the Redeemer rejoicing, heavens angels are singing I’ve come too far to look back. Look around there is unhappiness some see no reason for living, life will give you a broken dream full of heartache and pain, turn around don’t look back again face the new day before you, place your heartache in Jesus hand he will mend broken dreams, I’ve come too far to look back my feet have walked through the valley. I’ve climbed mountains, crossed rivers, desert places I’ve know but I’m nearing the home-shore the Redeemer rejoicing, heavens angels are singing I’ve come too far to look back, yes I’m nearing the home-shore the Redeemer rejoicing, heavens angels are singing I’ve come too far to look back, too far to look back.
In times of struggle this always lifts my spirit.