The Power of Your Testimony

from Pat Morley

Volume 241
July 30, 2007

Not long ago I spoke about how life’s trivialities, banalities, absurdities, and cynicisms tend to build up a husk around our souls that can make it difficult to hear God’s voice.

At that time, a friend was about to meet with a non-believing man. He asked, “What can I do to help break through the husk around this man’s soul?”

Good question! How would you answer? Here’s my take....

I know of nothing that can break through the husk of indifference and selfishness that a man allows to encase his soul under the direction of Satan and the flesh except the gospel of Jesus. I’m certainly not telling you anything you don’t already know, but unless this man wants help, he would rather drown on his own terms than live on yours.

The only exception I’m aware of biblically or practically is when the Holy Spirit pierces the husk around the soul. The “best” way I’m aware of is when a man hears the “naked story” (testimony) of another man’s life, identifies with it, and is broken. (I suppose that’s one reason why some churches flourish as others fail—whether men can identify with the preaching and worship, or find it boring).

Even then, unless the “naked story” is clearly tied to the Word of God, the man will walk away impressed with the story rather than be drawn to Jesus.

We would both agree from our experience, “advice” never, ever works. In fact, advice usually has the opposite effect—it makes a man defensive and, so, thickens the husk.

I’ll be praying for you. Please let me know what happens or if I can help in any way.

Each of us has a story. And when we tell it, the Spirit uses our words to release spiritual power that cracks the husks that encase the souls of worldly men. Lord, make us all into spiritual chatterboxes.

For the glory of Christ and no other reason,

Pat Morley, Ph.D.