The Ballestero Blog

Testimonies Aren’t Cheap!

Testimonies are not for sale in the Dollar Store. No one has ever found them at a Yard Sale or on Craigslist either. Testimonies aren’t cheap or even discounted. They have never been free either.

Pentecostals over the years have enjoyed listening to the testimonies of the overcoming and beloved saints of old.

As a young person hearing their words of testimony, I took it at face value. Because of my limited and lack of understanding about life, I only heard their words and saw their body language. I was clueless of the depth behind their words. It is amazing how time and problems educate us all.

When Sister Maria stood, everyone knew they would hear something wonderful. Within the first 60 seconds or so of her testimony, many hands in the church would be lifted in the air as she glorified the Lord.

No one knew that at home, she went through the worst of treatment from her husband. She survived under horrible domestic adversities. She never complained or got bitter. She was always in the prayer room before church. Her smile and sweet spirit made her beloved among all the saints.

Her Testimony Wasn’t Cheap.

Bro. Terry was an old man. His major health problems were ongoing. He couldn’t work a regular job. Nor did he ever marry. His life was very lonely. He never missed a service and he was always on time. Bro. Terry was beloved by all in the church.

For his testimony, Bro. Terry usually sang a chorus. Every time Bro. Terry testified by singing a song, the audience responded with deep worship and praise. Most of the time, someone ran the aisles before Bro. Terry was done.

His Testimony Wasn’t Cheap.

Sis. Regina had four teenage children. Her husband had mistreated them for years before finally abandoning them. Through it all she was the biggest help in the church. She witnessed, brought visitors. She prayed people through to the Holy Ghost. She testified and all could hear and feel her sincere love of God.

Her Testimony Wasn’t Cheap.

Bro. Murrell Cornwell told of a young man who wanted a soul-winning gift of ministry like his. Bro. Cornwell has taught tens of thousands of Home Bible Studies and is an amazing soul winner. He also pastors a Mega Church that he started and built with Home Bible Studies.

The young man asked Bro. Cornwell to lay hands on him and pray that God would give him the same ministry of soul winning.

Bro. Cornwell laid his hands on the young man and said, “God let this young man go bankrupt twice, let him lose everything he owns, let him get sick and nearly die, let his friends forsake him, let his…

“Wait a minute. No! No! Don’t pray that! I just wanted your gift of ministry!” The young man exclaimed.

“That’s how I got it,” said Bro. Cornwell. “Do you want what I have or not?”

His Ministry Wasn’t Cheap.

The Apostle Paul’s ministry didn’t come cheap either.

2Cor. 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

2Cor. 11:26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

2Cor. 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

2Cor. 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

2Cor. 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

2Cor. 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

His Testimony Wasn’t Cheap.

Job’s Testimony wasn’t cheap either.

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

He lost everything and still didn’t charge God foolishly. He maintained his manner of life. He kept on trusting and serving the Lord.

His Testimony Wasn’t Cheap.

The next time you hear a precious saint of God testify, and it has that ‘New Jerusalem” ring to it, then know assuredly, that their testimony wasn’t cheap.

Everyone wants a glorious testimony. Not many are willing to pay the price.

Do You Have A Testimony?

Testimonies Aren’t Cheap!