How I Discovered My Testimony and Learned to See God’s Hand
I never used to think I had a testimony.
Growing up in the Dutch Reformed church, everything about faith felt formal and familiar. We attended Sunday services, welcomed the occasional visit from the minister, and of course, served tea and cake afterward. I never questioned it; it was what I knew. But looking back, I realize that I didn’t yet understand what it meant to have a personal relationship with God, let alone a personal testimony.
That understanding began to change when I moved 1800 kilometers from home and started attending an Assemblies of God church with my aunt and uncle. Suddenly, church looked very different, people sang contemporary worship songs, prayed aloud, spoke in tongues, and gathered in small groups throughout the week.
It was a culture shock, but a good one.
For the first time, I saw there were other ways to worship God, and I loved it.
In 2017, I made the personal decision to get baptized, a step that wasn’t part of my upbringing, where infant baptism and later public declaration were the norm. That moment was significant for me. Since then, I’ve continued to grow in faith, becoming part of a church that believes in the fivefold ministry and helps nurture spiritual maturity.
I still visit my dad’s Dutch Reformed church when I’m home, and I don’t believe in criticizing different denominations. The right church is the one where the Holy Spirit leads you, where truth is preached, and where your spirit finds peace.
The Cell Group That Opened My Eyes
One turning point came when I joined my first Wednesday night cell group. I remember the leader suggesting we each share our testimony. I froze. I didn’t even know what a testimony was. Everyone else spoke so confidently about their faith journeys, how God had worked in their lives, and I sat there feeling completely unequipped.
In that moment, I felt unqualified.
Like I didn’t know my Bible well enough.
Like I wasn’t “Christian enough.”
But that night sparked something in me. I didn’t have words for it then, but now I see: God was already working in my life. He had been writing my story all along.
Today, when friends talk to me about what they’re going through, I’m often surprised by how easily Scripture comes to mind, or how I recall something God once showed me. That’s the fruit of spiritual growth, and that’s testimony in motion.
What Is a Testimony, Really?
Back then, I thought testimony meant a dramatic life story or a miraculous conversion. But now I know it’s simply this: a personal account of how God has shown up in your life.
It doesn’t need to be flashy or intense. Sometimes, it’s as simple as seeing God’s protection on your daily commute, or His guidance in small decisions. Testimonies are reminders that God is faithful—and they often inspire faith in others.
I’m reminded of Revelation 12:11 (NKJV): “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…”
Another story that comes to mind is in Luke 5, where a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus by his friends. I imagine those friends must have heard someone else’s testimony about Jesus first. Their faith was contagious, and it led to a miracle.
A Moment That Strengthened My Faith
One recent moment stands out to me as a testimony of God’s protection.
On August 22, 2024, I was sitting in heavy city traffic during my usual hour-and-a-half commute. Worship music played softly as I waited at a red light. Suddenly, I heard screeching tires behind me. A large truck was racing toward us and not slowing down.
I only had enough time to cry out, “Lord, help me!”and something shifted. I felt a calm come over me, flicked my indicator on without thinking, honked my horn, and edged into the lane next to me.
The truck swerved past, missed me by inches, and crashed into cars ahead before slamming into a wall.
When I looked back, I realized how many little miracles had aligned:
- There was just enough space in the lane beside me.
- The car behind didn’t block my movement.
- My indicator was on, though I don’t remember turning it on.
That moment grew my faith more than I can explain. God is present, even in the ordinary, and especially when we call out to Him.
Why Sharing Matters
Many people hold back their testimonies because they feel “too small.” But God is in the details. He uses the little things to encourage others.
For instance, when I applied for university, I randomly chose one without knowing anyone who went there. I even forgot to submit my application to the other one I’d considered. Somehow, I got accepted and years later, I can see God’s hand guiding that process.
Even small testimonies matter. They are evidence of God’s hand in our lives.
Start Small, But Start
If you don’t feel like you have a testimony, ask God to show you. He’ll remind you of moments where He’s moved, times you might’ve overlooked.
One simple step is keeping a journal. I write down dreams, impressions, or moments when I’ve felt His guidance. Later, those notes became powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness.
As I look back now, I see that discovering my testimony wasn’t about one big event; it was about recognizing God’s hand in the small things, over time. And I believe He continues to write each of our stories, whether we realize it or not.
Your story is unfolding too.
Can you think of a moment, big or small, where you saw God’s hand at work?
If so, consider sharing it with someone. It might be the encouragement they need.
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