Last weekend, I had the privilege of photographing a family friend’s wedding. Their ceremony was beautiful, with a simple elegance to it. This couple’s story is unique because both the bride and groom have gone through tremendous hardship before finding each other later in life.
They symbolized their new life by planting a tree during the ceremony, surrounded by their kids, before being prayed over. Through the way they authentically shared the painful road they took to the alter, their wedding wasn’t just about their relationship, but how God brought beauty from brokenness.
Words cannot describe the joy and delight that filled the sanctuary when the bride and groom kissed. New life felt tangible as hope hung in the air.
After witnessing this beautiful day, God has gently reminded me that our testimonies of His faithfulness are most meaningful and transformative when we are honest about the pain and heartbreak as well as the joys and victories.
Admitting that we’ve experienced loneliness, depression, or rejection doesn’t deny God’s holiness or love. Rather, it helps us recognize our need for Him.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
I love this verse because it provides such a joyful visual of what it’s like to accept Jesus into our lives. We are truly a new creation. God has saved us from death and brought us new life.
We are offered new life because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. He had to overcome death in order to give us the gift of life.
But consider how Jesus appears to His disciples after raising from the dead:
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
John 20:26-28 (NIV)
Even though Jesus was living in a resurrected body, He still had scars from His time on the cross. He didn’t deny the sacrifice it took to grant us life with Him. In fact, these scars were what helped Thomas identify Him as Jesus.
The scars remind us of the pain Jesus was willing to endure on our behalf because of His great love for us. Meanwhile, our scars reveal our weakness and need for a Savior.
The scars in our testimonies may be the moment that Jesus is revealed. The realization that we can’t save ourselves, but we are still given new life because we belong to the God who saves.
No matter what you have gone through, God can redeem your story and bless others by it. Don’t be afraid to share your testimony with others, but as you do so, ask God which pieces He wants you to tell. And in all things, glorify God as you recall His great love for you.
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)
The Will to Wake Up 