Tonight as I was driving home from dinner with an old friend, I had some things on my heart and on my mind… I simply asked the Lord to tell me what I needed to hear.  Verbalizing my thoughts, I said this out loud. 

Trading the temporary, for the testimony.

Okay God… What does that mean, exactly? 

Before you get your permanent license, you are given a black and white, temporary card - something that only lasts until you get your permanent card mailed to you.  If you had been mailed your permanent card, but didn’t open the envelope to use it - your temporary license doesn’t have any value, and is nothing but a black and white piece of paper - and on top of that… Your permanent license doesn’t do any good just sitting in the envelope waiting to be opened…

I have been saved for 7 1/2 years (!!!), but sometimes I feel like I am still carrying that temporary card, and not understanding that there is a testimony waiting to be told to show people that finding your spot in life is found through relationship with Jesus.  He’s the only thing that is permanent in my life. 

My temporary card could be a couple of things: Finding my confidence in the amount of male attention I receive.  Compromising of my purity with poor relationship choices and lifestyle decisions. Wanting to quit school, or jobs, or careers. Taking the easy way out of things. 

My testimony, however, is permanent. The Bible says in revelation 12:11 - That they overcame by the blood of the lamb (Jesus dying on the cross for our sins), and the word of our testimony (Sharing with people about the things the Lord has done in our lives for His glory, His good, His honor). 

I am ready, and I hope you can be too, to trade the temporary for the testimony of God’s grace, mercy, patience, love, kindness, tender heart, and overwhelming affection! It’s permanent - it lasts forever. Psalm 136. 

Love,
Samantha