The Power of Our Testimony

We all have a testimony… situations we’ve experienced and how God has brought us through to the other side. Have you thought about how your testimony could help encourage someone else who is currently facing thier own battles?

Recently I was sharing with a few hundred people about how I tried to commit suicide a month after graduating from high school in 1992. I shared my thoughts during that dark time in my life and how I felt there was no future waiting for me, how I felt alone in my struggles. Then I shared how God brought me through (Lord, you didn’t allow me to die last night, so you must have a plan for me. I want it) and has given me a life beyond what I thought possible - not just for me - but for every person’s life I been blessed to impact as a result of living to see a new day. It was a great moment of encouragement for many who were there.

Afterward, a woman came up to me and shared how my testimony had touched her heart because her daughter had committed suicide the year before. She went on to say how lucky my mother was to still have me alive and how she was glad that I could share my story to help keep other people from taking their own lives.

I looked this mother in her eyes… momentarily speechless. In an instant I was reminded of others I knew who had either taken their lives or had family members who took their own lives. "Why did I survive and they didn’t…?"

The mother and I talked for a few more moments and I promised to pray for her.

This experience left me wondering how I could better make use of this "time" in my life to help others realize that they are not alone in their struggles; and although it may seem like a solution - suicide is NOT the answer. God has a future waiting for each of us that is brighter than any darkness we may be experiencing at this present moment. I believe this with all my heart because it’s been over 15 years for me. Each day the sun rises is a GOOD day.

Don’t be afraid or ashamed to share the things God has delivered you from. Your life story may just be the "medicine" someone else needs to make it through a tough time in their life.

Let me know what you think.