What is Your Cardboard Testimony?
Everyone has driven by an apparently desperate person at an intersection holding up a piece of cardboard with words on it describing their need. Often it is something like…“Out of work. Need help.” The sign is a tangible call for assistance and is intended to capture our attention, to help us engage with a need, and to tell a story.
I had a friend who worked with homeless individuals in California, and he challenged me to think about the personal things I would put on a sign in light of my relationship with Jesus. He asked me to think about words that described my life before I surrendered my life to Christ. So many words came to mind – fearful, stuck in sin, arrogant, rebellious, running from God. When he asked me to think about my life apart from the work of Jesus, my initial thought was that there was probably not enough space on the cardboard to record all of my “before” story. Apart from Jesus my life was dark, empty, hopeless, and lonely. Perhaps you can relate to that feeling?
My friend went on to challenge me to flip the cardboard over and write what my life is like because of the impact of Jesus. Now that was a very fun exercise! Now there was not enough ink in that Sharpie to write about all He has done for me. Those simple questions about what I would write on my cardboard “testimony” led me to a sweet time of worship and gratitude to the Lord. I would like to invite you today to do the same exercise. What was your life like apart from the work of Jesus? What was your greatest need? Who were you before the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Like the blind man declared after encountering Jesus, “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25b ESV) Every person who has placed their faith in Jesus should have a before-and-after story. Paul would have written, “I was a persecutor of Christians, and now I help people follow Christ.” Peter could write, “I once was a rebellious fisherman, and now I am a fisher of men!” Mary Magdaline could write, “I once was surrounded by darkness, but now I follow the light!” I hope you have had a life changing encounter with Jesus, a “before” and “after” story of what God has done and continues to do in your life.
There is wonderful power in sharing our stories with others. In fact, I am guessing your relationship with Jesus was encouraged by someone else’s willingness to share their “before” and “after” story. Transformation often begins with others sharing their story of transformation with us. The apostle Peter encourages us to be ready at all times to do so. He writes, “... but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (1Peter 3:15 ESV)
How would you fill in these blanks?
I once was ________________________, but now I ___________________________.
At Hope, we are planning to use a version of our own cardboard testimonies on Easter Sunday. We want to share some of the awesome things Jesus has done in and through our lives with the guests who might join us that day. I am inviting you to share a small but powerful piece of your testimony. If you are interested in participating in that special opportunity, please shoot me an email at shawn.brennan@hopebrunswick.org. Tell me how you filled in those blanks. I would sincerely love to hear your story and thank you for considering sharing with others who may be inspired because of what God has done in your life.
I also want to invite you to join us at the church tonight at 6:30 PM in room 5– we will be praying for peace amidst the events in the Middle East.
Expectantly,
Shawn Brennan
P.S. Please join me in praying for Matthew Feltz and his family as they are mourning the passing of his grandfather.
