Barron Greenwalt

August 12, 2014

The Making of a Strong Testimony

I have never grown personally while in a comfort zone. Overcoming adversity, diversity and hardship seems to be the key to overcoming my character flaws. These times and stories make my testimony. These times reinforce in me “Every time we face the deserts of life, action is required on our part if we want to get through them. It requires effort to seek out life, re-dig the wells and stand in the storm and holding a bucket” (Keith Alexis, Donkey Tales). Living a transparent life is generous, and generosity is freeing. In addition, a transparent life helps to maintain my accountability as a father, mentor, volunteer, and freelance writer, but mainly as a follower of Jesus. I surrender my testimonies in hopes that others are blessed and that they relate to and are encouraged by my survival, this in turn, is a blessing to me.

Prayerfully, purposefully, and vigorously I seek truth. I choose to not live or dwell in shadows. Fear and intimidation do not work on those who allow the Holy Spirit to direct their lives because they listen and have discernment. I do not live on the principle of “ignorance is bliss”; I want to know truth and reality. I desire for my voice of experience and voice of reality to bless others. “Spiritual ignorance and hunger is a dangerous brew” (Pastor Rock). I do not ignore warning signs but remain alert and ready to respond at a moment’s notice; I know how to “MAN UP” and will do so because my hope is grounded in the Lord.

I stay grounded by daily, prayerful devotion to feeding and meditating on the Word, by allowing the Holy Spirit to change me with God’s Word that I have in my heart. It is my secret to overcoming it!  Not only that, I also suggest finding mentors from whom you can glean. Reading after and gleaning from other spiritually strong men is smart; they may reflect a light on truth, as you may never see for yourself; I have such men in my life, and one is my pastor.  Below are Bible quotes as well as those from others; these are only a few passages of “truth” I draw upon during “those times”; they have helped make my testimony what it is today.

• But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. “They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, and they will walk and not be faint. –Isaiah 40:3
• Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For your struggle is not against flesh and blood but, against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand, stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace, in addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for the entire Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given to 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
• Paralysis that is caused by fear is based on an illusion. –Joe Oliver
• For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline. Go with the Power. –Pastor Rock
• Receive it, understand it and apply it. Be governed by God’s Supernatural Spirit. –Pastor Rock
• Pursue justice and do the work of missions. –Pastor Rock
• Be aware of the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life, we have the power to engage in intense spiritual warfare and to discern God’s plan and timing and to do his work effectively. –Pastor Rock
• …Discern and DO. “Ministry is listening until the Holy Spirit reveals God’s strategy” listen and then align and be without your own strategy and plan. (Unknown-from my notes)
• Train your senses, listen for the Holy Spirit’s instruction and then obey. (Personal Sermon notes).
• Be encouraged and be on your way rejoicing. Love does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoices when right and truth persevere.  –1 Corinthians 13:6