At our church, we write what we call a "Key Verse Testimony" each year. At the start of every year, we choose one Bible verse for the year that we hope to hold onto for the year. We also take time to reflect on the previous year. Here's what I wrote for this year!
As 2014 began, I chose 2 Timothy 4:2 as my new years key verse. 2 Timothy 4:2 says,
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction.” After learning the Word of God my whole life (19 years) I felt that God wanted me to share with others the gospel - the good news with my peers and what he had done in my life. If I believed the gospel to be true - that Jesus died for my sins and rose again from the dead to conquer death, what kind of friend was I if I didn’t share my beliefs with my closest friends? Though this is a constant struggle to talk to my friends about God, I believe God taught me over and over what the gospel was. And I am continually amazed that the simple gospel has the power to transform lives! In the beginning of the year, I had no idea where God was going to take me with this key verse but it has been very exciting! As the new school year began, I took upon new responsibilities as a youth group teacher. And it was (and is) a great opportunity for me to share the gospel with the youth kids. I used to read 2 Timothy 4:2 lightly but throughout the year I realized how difficult it is truly do what Paul commanded. “Correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.” As a high schooler, I thought it would be easy for adults to correct kids, but I realized how difficult it was to correct rebuke and encourage. I also studied the Bible with my friend Helena throughout the year. Although it was difficult to meet every week because of our conflicting schedules, I’m thankful for the times we did meet. As I shared my beliefs, I was reminded by God’s goodness - who God is as the creator, loving Father, etc. I realized the importance of Paul’s command to “preach the word…” I learned the joys of sharing God’s love with someone who has not experienced the love of God yet. However, I also learned of the difficulty and struggles of being dedicated to consistently have Bible study. The word of God has the power to fully transform lives. And I believe as believers, it is our responsibility to share this gospel - to share Jesus’ love because in the end that’s all that matters. I also learned that the work of God is fully His. The Holy Spirit works in His timing in people’s lives. My responsibility is not to convince others, but to simply share what God has done. And it is their decision to accept or reject him. But I also learned that there’s a greater responsibility when you teach others. I think that’s why Paul says - “with great patience and careful instruction.”
2014 was a year of creativity as well. God gave me opportunities to learn about video editing and typography with Susan. I also saw God provide in His perfect timing with my school work, grades (in both semesters), summer plans, and God taught me a lot through my key verse. God gave me boldness to share His words with friends, strangers, and the youth group. I also gave my first youth group message last year! I also learned of God’s sovereignty over my life.
For 2015, I believe that it will be a year of hope. I chose Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves.” I can be really selfish and do things ultimately for my gain. I hope that I can continue to grow in loving and hoping for others, especially the youth group. Although this is really difficult, I hope to live out this verse by really consider others this year, following Jesus’ example of humility.
Good testimony
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