I like real testimonies.
Some of my favourites are ones that say that before they met Jesus their lives were fine and then when they met Jesus it was all turned upside down. I like the ones that talk about how before they didn’t have that many issues in certain relationships, but as soon as they took Jesus seriously some of their closest relationships went through the wringer.
It’s not to put people off faith, it’s to show some of the real that happens with faith. For me it also highlights the brilliance of Jesus. It says that this faith is in someone who knows full well what we’re getting into and because of who He is can somehow still make it worthwhile. This is how I also know that the contrast in fortunes is not about being sentimental and mushy feelings. It’s not about seeing Jesus as Santa with treats on demand.
The contrast in fortunes is directly linked to what there is to know about Jesus. To know that here is a man who was set on His mission even when His followers questioned His decision especially because of the suffering. Here is a man who took suffering on and agonised and endured the pain. Here He is doing this not just taking it on for us, but taking it on as an example for us. We may very well endure some tough times, but nothing like what He’s taken on and He is offering us a relationship to find strength and consolation.
Sure there is the joy ahead for us. There is the tremendous privilege of experiencing resurrection power even in the here and now.
It’s just to say that I like real testimonies because it highlights how contrasting fortunes are good reason to invest deeper faith in the enduring reality of Jesus Christ.
(Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 