Last Saturday, our home fellowship gathered at Genevieve's place, where we shared a meal and delved into our fourth week of discussions on sharing testimonies.
It struck me that there exists a subtle yet impactful difference between sharing a testimony and narrating a life story. A testimony captures the transformative journey from the 'before' to the 'after,' while a life story is more of a narration of one's experiences.
When someone openly shared her life stories and events, the audience responded with laughter and applause. Yet, is this the entirety of the impact? There's an undeniable impact in sharing personal experiences; when someone recounts the events in their life, it is more than recitation of facts — it is a journey woven with perceptions and emotions. Nevertheless, it's important to recognise that such a narrative, rich with personal anecdotes, is not a testimony of who God is in your life.
Ultimately, we need to keep focused on the purpose of our sharing. We are sharing about the good news of God. How God has crafted a 'before and after' story for each of us, shaping the trajectory of our lives. When we share our testimonies, it is no longer just about the events in our lives, but how God has shaped us through those events.
We would like to commemorate Uncle Pang's life. He thought that he had planned out his life but God brought unexpected people into his life and altered the script. Though he lived alone in his flat, he was surrounded by a community that he loved, and that loved him. His story is testament to the power of God in our lives. God brings us to unexpected places at times, and we can always trust that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
We can share what we know from God's word, but knowledge alone may not prompt an awakening. On the other hand, our testimonies, that trace our lives before God and after God, would stir a profound response in others. May we always be ready to share the goodness of God in our lives.
Signing off,
Jessmyn
on behalf of Belimbing
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