Testimonies, Part 1: Types of Testimonies

One definition of testimony is evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof. Therefore, there are many different types of testimonies. It is important to understand this point because your deliverance and overcoming of the desert depends on your type of testimony. We will look more into testimonies in the upcoming weeks, but let’s understand that there are different types of testimonies.

When the Israelites were delivered from the bondage they faced in Egypt, the Lord brought them into the desert. While they were in the desert (in this case, a physical place lacking in something, desolate and barren) the Lord made provisions for them. Despite there complaining He delivered them from their enemies, fed them, gave them water when they were thirsty and so on. Their testimony was based off of the first definition, the evidence in support of a fact or statement: proof. If this is the case then their proof should have been, The Lord is Good and His Mercy endures forever and the evidence would have been the manna, water from the rock, parting of the Red Sea etc. This was their testimony, some like Joshua and Caleb understood while other, who would subsequently die in the desert, could not comprehend. The purpose of this kind of testimony is to make a statement. A statement that says, this is my God who never fails. Even though I may come under attack, He is always there to deliver me. Isaiah 43: 2 states:

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Think about what God has brought you through! Yes it was tough, the fire was hot, the waters came up but they neither burned you or overtook you! This is the kind of God we serves! He never said it would not be hard, but He did promise to be with us and to get us through. I think that many of us understand this type of testimony. This is the type of testimony that we usually hear in church. Let’s looks at another type of testimony.

When John the Baptist baptized Jesus, the scriptures say He (Jesus) was led by The Spirit into the desert/wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matt 4: 1-11 and Luke 4: 1-13). While Jesus was in the desert, He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and was tempted by the devil. When the devil tried to tempt Him, His answers were scripture. Jesus would answer first by saying, “It is written”. This type of testimony is based off the word of God! This testimony defeats the devil. This type of testimony serves notice to the devil that we know our God and His words and that they have power over principalities of the seen and unseen. In order to give this type of testimony, you must know the Word of God and use it to conquer demonic spirits, strongholds and the like.

A testimony can also be the understanding and declaration of a prophecy of things to come or who God says you are. In John 1: 19 -23 John the Baptist had a testimony of what the scriptures said about him. The Pharisees asked John who he was and he testified saying the following, “ I am, The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord” (so that the prophesy of Isaiah would be fulfilled). The same goes for us, we can testify that we are, “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We can testify to this! This is what our God says about us. So when the devil is trying to get to you, or unbelievers try to challenge you or ask who you are in Christ, you can testify to the Words of the Lamb! This type of testimony, silences the enemy.

There are many different types of testimonies, more than listed on this post. Let us learn the different types of testimonies so that we are prepared for battle. Testify about what the Lord has brought you through and done for you. Testify to demonic spirits about your God and His Words. Testify to your enemies about who God says you are. Testify! Serve Notice!

Father, I pray that you will give us our testimony. I pray that you will give us the wisdom, by the Holy Spirit, to know what and to whom we should testify!