Read Acts 26
Jamie Williams
There are two things in Acts 26 that stick with me: encounter and testimony. In this chapter, Paul is granted permission to defend himself before King Agrippa.
His defense? The testimony (or witness) of an encounter with Jesus.
While Paul (previously known as Saul) is traveling to Damascus, the Son of God encounters him. ’I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me.’ (Acts 26:13)
From what we can gather, in an instant, this encounter changes everything. Saul is given a new name, but even greater, he is given a testimony. Jesus’ next words to the newly named Paul, although they are simple, feel weighty and powerful; “witness of what you have seen and will see of Me…” (Acts 26:16)
As I spent time reading through Act 26, I began thinking back on the many testimonies of God’s goodness, kindness, healing, and provision that we have heard over the last year in our CF community. It didn’t take long for me to become overwhelmed with gratitude. As I thought more and more about the testimonies of others, my own personal testimonies of God’s goodness, kindness, healing, and provision began to fill my mind.
There, in my office at work, as I remembered and testified to my own heart, I encountered Jesus. Here I am sharing the testimony of that encounter with you today. Maybe there is something to this?
Could it be that the floodgate for encounter is testimony? Could it be that as we share and remember what God has done, we encounter Him again and again and again?
Prayer Prompt:
Ask God to help you recall the testimonies of His goodness, kindness, healing, and provision in your life. (Don’t forget to write them down!) Take 2-3 minutes and thank the Lord for each of these testimonies. Ask the Lord for the opportunity and the courage to share these testimonies throughout your week. Close with this simple prayer: God, open the floodgate of encountering You in my life, and may the testimony of your goodness, kindness, healing, and provision be always on my lips.
My prayer for you is that, as you remember, you will encounter in a fresh and powerful way the Presence of the Lord.
