Have you ever experienced an incredible divine deliverance… a healing… perhaps some wonderful provision… or a miracle of any kind? What is your responsibility when something like that happens? Are you free to just “grab and go?” How thoughtless that would be! How lacking in any common courtesy! You at least would think you have a responsibility to offer thanks to God for his provision and help! But I’m going to suggest your responsibility is greater… I believe, based upon the teaching of Scripture, that you or I, in a situation like that, have a responsibility to bear witness in “the great congregation.” Now by that, I mean in a public setting – In a church service or a public gathering of some kind. Having experienced a divine deliverance – a miracle of some sort – we have a responsibility to tell what the Lord has done for us!
I know… it may be scary for you! You may say it runs counter to your personality (you’re the quiet type). You don’t want to seem braggadocios (and you don’t have to … for heaven’s sake give God the glory!). But you really have a responsibility to do it … Believe me, it will help and encourage others to trust God and expect Him to intervene on their behalf in answer to prayer.
Here’s how David put it in the Psalms…
“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord… You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told… I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.” (From Psalm 40:1-10 ESV)
So here’s what you need to do… Contact your pastor, tell him what the Lord has done for you, and ask permission to share your story – the story of God’s marvelous deliverance and provision in a church service. Another possibility is to just watch for the first appropriate opportunity to give public testimony, step out in faith, and give God the glory by telling others what He has done for you! Others will be encouraged to trust in the Lord, God will be honored, and your faith will be strengthened! Com’on… do it! You owe it to Him! You owe it to others!
I’ll begin a new series of Bible studies this Sunday, April 3 in Truth Seekers Class at Trinity Church, Cedar Hill, TX… “Walking with God” – A Life-Transforming Journey! In the class we will explore what the Bible has to say about the greatest journey anyone can be involved in… “Walking with God!” – An exciting adventure filled with with all kinds of experiences but led by the greatest companion and guide anyone could ever have… God Himself! The class begins at 10:45 a.m. in the Heritage Room… You’ll find great friends, tasty refreshments, and uplifting Bible study! See you there? Class will run Sundays April through June.
