Revelation 12:11 says:
"They will overcome him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony."
I got to experience this firsthand in another God-orchestrated miracle-in-the-making. His timing was perfect. I couldn't even cry, the worship center was so charged with His presence so holy, all I could do was sit in the weight of glory.
I had brought two butterflies to the ministry. I was sitting there in between them. One was two days fresh, still in shock, physical wounds evidence of the lifetime of trauma and pain. Death, literal and recent, was still all around her. Her story unbelievable, if not for it having actually happened to this girl before me in flesh and blood. She held a Bible; I had written a quick note in the flyleaf. She asked real questions about God later on that night; I was amazed. Already?!
But what was also so amazing was I had asked one of my ministry girls - who has a history in the life - to give her testimony last night. This was a new thing, and weeks ago planned. We could not have written the timing. How we would all four - me, my two butterflies, and my girl - stand in a circle and talk about what had happened to the recently rescued on the night one of them was about to declare: "Look what God did in my life! I was once where you are tonight. There is hope, in Jesus!"
I've heard the Greek word for "testimony" has a connotation of "do it again." He wants to do it again, all over the room.
I saw it around our circle and pointed it out; two days for one, a month of another, two years for my girl. Staggered steps of healing. How Jesus can change us from the inside out, and how we can see it reflected on the outside. In fact, when we walked up to the church doors, my girl told my first butterfly "you look better every time I see you!" She was right. Her smile comes easier. Her countenance not so heavy. She's lighter.
I saw my girl share her story on stage boldly, in perfect timing. She did fabulous and I was so proud! What was amazing was that, during the meeting shares afterwards, so many women said, "Thanks for sharing. I could relate. That happened to me too..." So many, one right after the other. I loved that there was a woman on stage to represent them. I loved that women found their voices.
...and I loved that my most recent butterfly said, "I feel at home here. I feel a peace."
And considering what she had just been through - a miracle.
Today there was a breakthrough of breakthroughs in my ministry at this church. For me personally, nine months in the making. The timing is not lost on me. I feel like a mother having birthed life. So much pain to get here. I thought it would undo me. This last week the most intense. But then - release! freedom! relief! Where before there was just shame, darkness, almost hopelessness, all the sudden, cries lifted in praise!
A great friend reminded me today that God takes our shame and lifts it. My girl's shameful past become a beacon of light to hundreds last night! And my shame is going to continue to be lifted, I know, soon.
And this story will be part of my testimony. I'll say, "Look what God did!" And what God wants to do in my life, He'll do again in others who say, 'me too.'
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