A testimony of the HEART

It's not the circumstances that you overcome but what God does in us that makes it a testimony.  The test is how we respond, move out and move on, get through to the other side.  Everyone, believer and non-believer has circumstances.  You in your self-reliance can change the world around you, but only God Himself can change, can transform the world inside you.  In Him we truly overcome.  Now you have a story to tell that gives Him ALL the honor and glory, for it's what He does, not what we do that makes our life great, makes it matter, makes in impactful and inspiring.

       Let us always sing, "Lord I need You. Oh I need You. 
                                        Every hour I need You.
                                        My One Defense, My Righteousness. 
                                        Oh God, how I need You.

                                        Where sin runs deep, Your Grace is more.
                                        Where Grace is found is where You are.
                                        And where You are, Lord, I am free.
                                        Holiness is Christ in me."
                                       

 Romans 12:1-3 "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us."

If we are not aware, acknowledging our own daily, if not moment by moment failings... sins... How can Grace step in?
Proverbs 20:9 "Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin?"

Where is the line of walking in His authority, power, faith, grace and favor yet remaining truly humble, in Love and complete reliance on the Source of All that is good and Holy?  Often times we focus more on what we do, when God clearly cares more about matters of our heart condition.

(Prov 24:12, Ex 36:26, Duet 30:6, Rom 2:29, Mark 7:21, I Chr 29:17...)

Proverbs 27:19 "As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person"

And the action that honors His is that which comes from Him.  So do we spend more time seeking God's power or experiencing His transforming power which is the testimony combined with His blood that overcomes (Rev. 12:11).

So what is hidden in our hearts? Where are we being deceived? What really comes first in our lives... our understanding or seeking Our Father in heaven?  What is your current testimony of God's transforming power in your heart and who are you helping by sharing it?  It's not always the end of the story that gives hope. Some people need to hear about God carrying you, exposing new things in your heart in the meantime.  After all, its how solid the foundation is that makes the house strong for those who need shelter, not how good it looks from the outside.  Be encouraged to know when you give God your raw materials He creates something so authentically, really beautiful and true. A true testimony of the heart.