Recently I was asked to share my testimony, the story of my drug dependence and deliverance, to a group of future ministers. I have to admit that I was nervous and shaken. You see, my narrative of alcoholism, drug addiction and abuse is very personal and not something I have wanted to reveal. It has definitely not been my leading introduction when meeting people like, "Hi, my name is Allison and I was always the first to the party and the last one to leave!" No, to tell the story of what happened and how the turnabout finally came, is easy and even an honor to those who are still struggling with the same things, but to 'Church-folk', well that is a whole other matter.
So there I was, vacillating on whether to neatly trim my message or lay it all out and let the Lord do with it as He willed. I was distressed to say the least. When the day came that I was to address the congregation, I was startled by a Tweet from a complete stranger. It said, "You have been given back your voice. You are bold as a lion; the Lion of Judah."
Whoa! If that wasn't an answer to prayer and confirmation, I don't know what is. Therefore, I went forth, boldly, not looking at their faces, and shared, in detail, what my life was like and how Jesus Christ set me free. Funny, there were no hisses or boos - no standing ovations. I just had obeyed the Lord, nothing more and nothing less. Perhaps.
I share this to encourage you to be bold. To be your honest and your most true, authentic self. This is the only way God can use us and get the glory out of our lives. And isn't that what we are all praying for? I have heard it said, "It doesn't take all that", and "Honey, don't tell people all of your business!" But at what point do we allow the Lord to use what He purchased at such a high price? Hmm, IJS.
"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of
the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when
faced with death. Revelation 12:11
I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)
