rebelling against low expectations

To the Kid With the Boring Testimony

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To you, the kid with the boring testimony: I get it.

You write your story: I was born into the church, accepted Jesus when I was four, and have been following him ever since. Then you crumple it up and try to think of something more exciting, because that isn’t going to convince anybody of the miraculous work of God.

To the kid with the boring testimony: I understand.

I’m the kid who has been going to church since before I was born. Who always knew Jesus. Who only wished I was a recovering alcoholic when I was writing my testimony. Who always considered my life story dull.

To the kid with the boring testimony, I beg you to reconsider.

You see, a testimony is the story of the amazing work God has done in your life—chief of those saving you. And yes, this great gift of grace is a miracle, even if you accepted it before you could spell “salvation.”

It is absolutely a testimony of God’s provision! By his mercy you grew up in a Christian family. People long and pray for your past!

To the kid with the boring testimony: this is the beginning of adventure.

You were trained as a child the way you should go. Do not depart from it! Let your foundation guide you as you embark on the greatest journey. You have seen who God is. Don’t let him be a dead history lesson! Church baby, live his story.

To the kid with the boring testimony: I challenge you.

Your testimony of God’s work should not end with your salvation. No, the promise of “happily ever after” is only the beginning. There is still so much more of your story to tell, no life altering mistakes required. When you attempt anything that you cannot accomplish on your own power and God pulls through, it is a testimony! Trust Jesus with your life, be guided by him, and everything that you do will spice up your story!

To the kid with the boring testimony: stay fixed on your Savior.

Peter had been with Jesus for years when, in Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus told him “do not be afraid” and “come.” Then Peter walked on water. Only when he took his eyes off Jesus did he sink, and even then, Jesus rescued him.

To the kid with the boring testimony: don’t be afraid of falling.

Your own failure takes nothing away from your testimony. It shows only your weakness, not God’s. You have no reason to fear falling unless you refuse to get back up. So run the race with courage, “abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (I Corinthians 15:58).

To the kid who has seen God act: let him act again.

You who have seen God work, move in faith. You who have seen the impossible made possible, do hard things. You who know what God has done, give him another chance. You will never know what God can do through you until you let him loose.

Don’t let your strength be your god, let God be your strength. The power does not lie in your faith, but in the one you put your faith in. Remember: Jesus never said you could climb every mountain. He said he could move them.

So you, church baby, don’t let your “boring” testimony shackle you. Let it fuel you. You have a chance to make that “boring” testimony electrifying by relying on God while you do great things.

To the kid whose testimony has all the potential in heaven: now is your time.

Step out of the boat.


 

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About the author

Katie Stacey

is studying Camp and Outdoor Adventure Leadership at Liberty University because “you can’t take cows to heaven.” The second oldest of nine kids, she enjoys writing, reading, helping with her church’s youth group, and going on adventures with her friends. She’ll jump on any opportunity to work horses or cattle and uses these experiences to reach people for Christ. Katie is the author of The Tenderfoot’s Progress, and blogs at www.pilgrimwest.wordpress.com and www.thingsabove32.wordpress.com.

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By Katie Stacey
rebelling against low expectations

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