Luke 21:13 – “But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.”
In today’s One Year Bible New Testament reading Jesus is responding to a question concerning the timing of apocalyptic events. He talks about wars and commotions, nations in conflict with each other, great earthquakes in different places, famines and plagues and signs from heaven. He tells His disciples of persecution they will suffer. However, their difficulty will turn into an opportunity. “It will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.”
How many times have I seen God do this? He has the uncanny ability to turn an otherwise ugly situation into an incredible story. No testimony without a test. Think back over your life. Some of the standout moments fit this category. It has become a vital part of making you the person you have become.
Take a few moments and read today’s Old Testament writing. It is the conclusion to the book of Joshua. All the people are gathered together and Joshua begins to recount their journey from the days of Abraham while he was still in Ur of the Chaldees. It’s a story of difficulty and adversity. But it is through those tough times that we see the power of God and the emergence of a nation.
What is emerging through your story? What testimony has been forged through your bleeding? What have you suffered that has made you a better person? What test have you passed that created a testimony? Remember, your present situation is simply an occasion…