My experience in facilitating worship services is that some people find it hard to think of anything to say, or they are timid about speaking in public. For whatever reason, it makes God out to be mean, in the sense that we are not declaring what He has done- this declaration serve several purpose. One, it acknowledges God working in your life and two, it serves as a witness and encouragement to those in attendance.
Sometimes a worshipper’s silence is due to being overwhelmed by the testimony of others – you think yours can”t match that. Think again! I often say that those who cannot point to anything, probably have more to be thankful for because they have been brought “safely through another week” with no incidents to report. Imagine how much work has gone on behind the scenes for that to occur! The following will help give you a reason to testify:
IN SERIOUS AND IMMEDIATE DANGER
“Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:25-28
PROTECTION
“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” Psalm 91:3-6 – Read the whole chapter.
LIFE AND BREATH
“Thus says God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out; who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and Spirit to those who walk on it.” (Isaiah 42:5)
When preparing to share your testimony, keep these two points in mind.
1. KEEP IT RECENT
Testimonies are to be part of our weekly act of worship. As such, we need to keep them current. Is it possible to give one every week? Knowing how God has led in the past is great but He’s giving fresh breath and mercies every day!
2. KEEP IT TO THE POINT
Summarise your testimony so it doesn’t lose impact and deter others because it is too long. Your brethren should also give theirs, so leave room for them. Imagine that everyone in church has one to give.