In the New Testament, a testimony is a statement made by a witness to prove that something is true. We often hear the word testimony used most often in a court of law. Witnesses are called to testify or tell the facts to a jury.

The entire eleventh chapter of Hebrews is known as the "faith" chapter. Each of the individuals have a story of divine intercession as the results of faith (a testimony). By studying their testimonies, we can learn more about faith and God. Testimonies are not found only in the bible. In recognition of Black History Month, let me name a few African Americans who "obtained a good testimony". 

HARRIET TUBMAN
This escaped slave helped hundreds of slaves including her family to escape through the Underground Railroad. She said, "There was one of two things I had a right to, liberty or death. If I could not have one I should have the other, for no man should take me alive." 

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER 
This scientist's research developed 325 products from peanuts, 108 applications for sweet potatoes, and 75 products derived from pecans.

SOJOURNER TRUTH 
Born Isabella Baumfree, Sojourner Truth became the first black woman orator to lecture against slavery despite her illiteracy. When asked how she received her name, she replied, "I asked the Lord to give me a new name and He gave me Sojourner because I was to travel up and down the land showing the people's sins and being a sign unto them. Afterwards, I told the Lord I wanted another name cause everybody had two names; and He gave me Truth because I was to declare the truth unto the people."

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
The slain civil rights leader and minister saw a promised land. "I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low. The rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together."

Hey, but don't just stop there...look at your own family tree. Our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. ... went through incredible obstacles. Their names are not written in history books, but their testimonies are our heritage.

Share your testimony with somebody whose faith is wavering or who have not discovered their faith. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds... let us encourage one another." (Hebrews 10:24-25)  It is a wonderful feeling to know somebody before they have gone through similar or the same trials you are currently experiencing.

We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which He has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. --- 1 John 5:9-10

Ty Moody is a professional web developer who enjoys dabbling in freelance writing. Her company Tywebbin Creations produces such websites as faithwebbin.net, doenetwork.com, kulturezone.com and goodgirlbookclubonline.com. This article is used by permission.