These were our testimonies. Lizzie was to afraid to go
through with it which was fine. Ben was very brave and those are his words.
This past Easter weekend we were asked to be part of cardboard testimonies at our church. It was such a great honor to stand on stage with so many courageous people. As I looked around and took in everyones stories or visited with people I began to feel unworthy to stand with so many amazing people but I will never pass up the opportunity to share what God has done for us. As we were sketching out what our boards would say, I quickly became very humbled and my eyes were opened to all the struggles I have had that God has so obviously brought me through...some which I think I just went on without taking a second glance to thank Him. If you haven't ever stopped and reflected on all you have been through, I highly recommend doing so. Take some time to pray about it and then spend time writing out several of your own "cardboard testimonies". Our God is so good and so faithful.
These testimonies have flooded me with many thoughts and emotions. So many times we suffer alone, quietly, and in darkness. This is exactly what satan wants. We completely separate ourselves from Gods light and the grace and the love only He can offer. Many times this happens so subtly we don't even realize that it has happened. I am sure that everyone has felt this at some point and many may currently struggle with it. The amazing thing that I am learning and hopefully will begin to use as my first response is that if we surrender to God, He WILL take over. He will work within us. What a powerful and peaceful thing that is!
This isn't to say that surrendering is easy. It takes great courage to admit we need help. It takes great courage and desire for change to be transparent in our lives. But the reward of that courage, the relationship with a God that loves us so deeply and gives us amazing perseverance and peace, is so worth it! I pray daily that I will choose to surrender and stop choosing to suffer.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles,so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
What a great system God designed! Through surrendering we are blessed but it doesn't end there. We are also able to bless someone else who suffers! I hope that you will take time to watch the following link. It is Mitch's sermon from Sunday, along with the cardboard testimonies. Choose to surrender and watch what God will do with you and your experiences! Love you all!
http://av1.w3e.subsplash.com/
