Testify

10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11 there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15 for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict."

(Luke 21:10-15)

Jesus' words to the disciples, as recounted in Luke, were not merely a prediction of the "end times", but a reminder that even in the worst times Jesus would supply their needs (and ours). Beyond that, the trials they would face would provide opportunities to testify - and even that testimony would be given to them when they needed it.

Every difficulty, every challenge, every sin that we face in life is an opportunity to testify - not only after we've overcome, but right in the midst of it. Through our testimony someone will know they are not alone. The call to testify to our faith often causes feelings of anxiety. We don't want to be judged by those who may not share our beliefs. But we are only called to testify to what we know and have experienced - and no one can diminish or refute our personal experience. May we have the courage to share what we've been through and what we're going through - what God has brought us through and what God is bringing us through - to the honor and glory of God.

3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. (Isaiah 12:3-5)