THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR TESTIMONY [based on Revelations Chapter 12]

God has a divine purpose for each and every one of us. Some of us are being called by God to walk in our purpose, and we cannot hear God's voice because we are distracted by worldly things or wrapped up in our emotions or fulfilling the desires of our flesh, or plagued by sin and guilt or any number of distractions. Some of us have heard the call, but don't want the responsibility that comes with making a commitment to God. And, some of us have answered the call by saying "yes" to God, and we are pregnant with purpose. Those of us who have answered the call have gone through some things. We have experienced morning sickness, sleepless nights, changes in our body, and changes in our mind. Answering the call was not without it's sacrifices. People we thought we could depend on left us. We didn't anticipate the expenses. Some friends left because we couldn't hang out with them anymore doing the things that we used to do with them. Our purpose consumed us. God's will became paramount in our lives. We were changed. We discovered passion for what was important to God.

Now, we are ready to give birth, and the devil has come to kill, steal and destroy our purpose. He doesn't want us to give birth to our purpose. He will do anything to kill your purpose. We need to be aware that there are always opposing forces waiting to devour our purpose. They may come in the form of obstacles, distractions, negativity, discouragement and even opportunities. These forces work even harder when God is about to do a mighty thing through us or when we are about to receive a tremendous blessing from God that will give Him glory. The good news is that God will not allow His purpose to be aborted. If we carry our purpose to full term, God will deliver it, and protect us from the enemy that walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour [1 Peter 5:8] Our testimony will bring even more to Christ. God will use it to save the souls that the devil is determined to destroy.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Satan is constantly accusing the bretheren, but we expose him with our testimonies. When we get delivered from addictions and affliction, and expose him by telling others about his tricks, schemes, and temptations, our testimonies break the strongholds and generational curses that set people free. Many of us struggle with guilt and even after accepting Christ and His forgiveness, we struggle with forgiving ourselves. If we are bold and transparent enough to show our battle scars by telling our stories, we set ourselves free in the process. We release pride, shame, guilt and we declare victory over the enemy. The devil does not want you to know that by confessing your sin, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness [1 John 1:9]. One of his favorite tactics is to keep reminding us of our past. If we stay focused on issues that have passed, situations that are finished, tasks that are completed and sin that has been forgiven, we continue to make it easy for the enemy to keep us distracted. In addition, he uses pride, shame, and guilt and unresolved feelings from our past to keep us bound. As long as we are bound and distracted, we cannot hear what God is saying, or move in the direction that the Holy Spirit is directing. This is how the devil gets us to abort our purpose.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

There is a war in heaven going on right now for the souls of God's people. The devil and his angels have fallen to earth to wage war on the children of God [Revelations 12:17]. When he was kicked out of heaven, he brought angels with him to earth and their mission is to send as many of us to hell as they can, and he does this by distracting us, and tempting us with sin. His distractions are specifically designed to keep us separated from God. One of his most deceptive strategies is convincing people that he doesn't exist at all. No devil, no hell, no consequences. For Christians who have confessed Christ, but have not submitted to God's will, he tempts and manipulates, and accuses them before God day and night [Revelations 12:10] but thank God that Jesus intercedes on our behalf to the Father. For the sinner, the devil uses his most basic instincts to please the flesh to the point of addiction and self-destruction. And, for God's elect, he appears as an angel of light. In other words, he comes in an attractive form and twisting and manipulating the word of God to deceive those who are working to fulfill the purpose of God. What he doesn't want us to know is that if we confess our sins and turn away from it, God forgives us. We can get up and keep moving. We do not have to wallow in guilt, which is just one of the things satan uses to imprison us.

Revelation 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;

Our testimony of Jesus Christ protects us, and sets us free. Our testimonies are powerful, effective and healing. Our testimonies are used by God to birth restoration, reconciliation, healing, and deliverance. God gives the increase when you share your testimony. Do not be afraid of the faces of men or the accusers. God will protect you. He has prepared a place in the wilderness for you. He will hide you under the shadow of His wing. The testimony of Jesus Christ is our salvation. Therefore, put on the full armor of God [Ephesians 6:10-18]. Stand firm, and witness the salvation of the Lord. Tell your testimony until you are free from satan's stronghold, then go free others. Publish the good news. Write the story. Speak the truth of salvation in Jesus Christ. Spread the good news. His mercy endures forever.

The Prophetic Scribe