Testify

To testify. What exactly does that mean? As Christians, it is a call on our lives to testify, or share the Gospel, or witness to others about Jesus' power to save. Some may ask: To save from what exactly? Sin, death and the devil could be an answer. From eternal separation from God could be another. Sharing in the Great Commission is a method. Telling stories is another. Expressing gratitude for God's mercy is yet another.

On About.com I found this answer to "What is the Great Commission?"

Matthew 28:18-20 
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV)

This section of Scripture is known as the Great Commission. As the last recorded personal directive of the Savior to his disciples, it holds great significance to all followers of Christ. It is the foundation for evangelism and cross-cultural missions work in Christian theology. Because the Lord's instructions were to go to all nations and that he would be with us until the very end of the age, Christians of all generations have embraced this command. As many have said, it's not "The Great Suggestion." No, the Lord has commanded us to put our faith in action.

In our next verse of thanks, the psalmist is wanting all to hear of the great works of the Lord.

"That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." Psalm 26:7 KJV

I found this commentary from Barnes' Notes on the Bible very helpful in explaining what it means to testify:
  That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving - literally, "that I may cause to be heard;" that is, that I may make known to others. The idea is, that he would make known to others what he had learned from God; or that He would make known to them the delights of His service, and seek to win them to His worship. This he would do with a thankful remembrance of the favors which he had himself enjoyed, or as an expression of his gratitude for the mercies which had been conferred on him. As expressive of his gratitude to God, he would endeavor to win others also to His service.
  And tell of all thy wondrous works - The wonderful things which thou hast done - thy works of creation, providence, and salvation. His own mind was deeply impressed with the greatness of God's works, and he would desire to make the divine actions known as far as possible in the world.

This pretty much sums up the reason for my writing in this blog. Throughout the last decade of my life, as a person developing an honest relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus, I have received the "delights of His service." I have also been the recipient of those same "favors" of mercy from God. I have been through some deep sorrows, difficulties in life, and humbling, pride-bending experiences that the Lord guided me through. The greatest lesson that I learned during these painful experiences, is to be thankful no matter what, there is always something to thank God for. When I can keep my focus on God's grace and mercy, even when it is incredibly hard to even open my eyes, He will provide me with peace and strength to get through that moment. When I make it through the moment, He has so much more joy, as a gift for trusting and persevering in Him, than you can possibly imagine. Therefore I also want to express my gratitude to God and do what I can to win others over to His service and worship.

I love to share... God made me that way. I also love to talk... He made me that way too. When God provides answers and peace to my prayers and pursuits I love to share my stories. My honest, heartfelt stories. This is my way of letting others know that He is worthy of our affection, trust, and praise and most of all... that Jesus is real. Very real.

"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b