Belief is delicate and life is tough. Even the most seasoned followers endure trials and tribulations that test their faith. In those moments of uncertainty, it’s beneficial to have a support system to aid in the process of rebuilding that faith. If you are blessed with opportunity to counsel someone through the most vulnerable point of his/her walk, these 4 testimonies can help.
- Share a Testimony About Your Biggest Obstacle. Explain How Faith Helped You Overcome It.
Offering an anecdote about your biggest life challenge creates common ground. It’s important to let others know that even you, the person they look to as a strong pillar of faith, went through (what felt like) an unbearable situation. You were delivered from it, and came out stronger than when you went in. This type of testimony creates understanding and works toward canceling the feeling of isolation and guilt that your mentee may feel. By specifically stating how faith played a role in your triumph, you illustrate the necessity of its role in problem solving and endurance.
- Answer the Question: Who Helped Build Your Faith?
By nature, people are social. We learn by seeking guidance from people who are already skilled in the areas that we aspire to excel in. Discussions with others help us navigate through our thinking and processing. Leaders also share teachable lessons on best practices. Similarly, these interpersonal benefits ring true in faith-based scenarios. God created us to be interdependent. For most of us, there was someone who helped answer our questions, point us to the most applicable Bible verses, and to hold us accountable. Whether that was your pastor, a friend, or someone in your family, that person played a vital role in building the base of our faith. Try sharing a testimony about the spiritual leader who did that for you. Make sure to include the biggest takeaways you gleaned from his/her counsel.
- Answer the Question: When Was Your Faith at Its Lowest? How Did You Recover?
This will undoubtedly be a vulnerable exchange. As Christians, we often feel a certain level of shame or regret about the situation that caused us the greatest level of doubt. Nevertheless, it was a critical life moment that, once it passed, provided a lot of clarity in your Christian faith. Sometimes when you begin to doubt the very thing that used to help you keep going, it can feel like you’ll never come out on the other side. This is why it’s meaningful to share an account of the feelings you personally experienced when you were in the midst of your lowest lows. It’s comforting to know that other believers prevailed in spite of their setbacks. Focus on explaining why your faith decreased in that scenario and the steps you took to rebuild your assurance. Lastly, expound on what currently prevents you from returning to the mind state you were previously in.
- Share a Testimony Detailing the Ways That Strong Faith Has Changed Your Life for the Better.
Finally arriving in a place where your level of faith is the best it’s ever been, is a wonderful feeling. Having the confidence of being able to fully trust God and cast all your fears and problems on Him is freeing. That freedom comes with daily benefits. Maybe increased faith has helped heal your marriage or given you greater mental health. Maybe your high level of faith changed your perspective on life. Think about the day-to-day benefits that make you grateful for reaching the level of faith that you currently enjoy. Share those victories with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Your joy-filled spirit will be infections and make others eager to attain the same for themselves.
Other Interventions That May Help
If you are struggling to think of impactful testimonies that will be helpful, don’t fret, there are plenty of other avenues that lead to the same result. Below are a few faith-building suggestions that you can pass on:
- Bible study
- Support groups
- Seeking prayer for renewed faith
- Center friend groups around people who have reached the faith-level you desire
- Seek pastoral guidance
Faith is the backbone of Christianity, yet most believers will struggle with faith at least once during their journey. Sometimes life knocks us down and it feels impossible to get up. However, we don’t have to bear our burdens alone. We are charged with the responsibility of lifting up our brothers and sisters when they cannot stand for themselves. Witnessing through testimony is a surefire way to stand in the gap for those among us who need encouragement in strengthening their faith.
