Music Monday: “Testimony” by Terrain (Featuring Cece Winans)
by: Debbie Waltz
My birthday last week brought many surprises. As I mentioned in my newsletter, it’s remarkable that it’s only been a little over a year since I started the publishing process. As I was growing up, I sought narratives that resonated with me, whether they touched upon Christian themes or experiences with disability. The novels, while well-researched, possess limited depth. Why? Learning about a disability is completely different from experiencing it daily. What I found was characterized by in-depth research and a focus on the fundamental aspects of the disability. While the description was accurate, it didn’t fully capture the impact on family and friend relationships. I aimed to foster a more open and truthful dialogue with the wider community about navigating life with a disability. I wanted to demonstrate that Jesus can work through anyone, even individuals with disabilities, to share God’s love with others.
A common misunderstanding is that faith develops all at once. My experience has taught me that this isn’t always the case. Like any relationship, it takes time and effort on behalf of both parties. This involves daily reading and increasing your understanding and wisdom of God, while also learning to place your trust and dependence in Him. People who know me and my history likely assume I have everything under control. However, I can assure you that I do not. Underneath my smile, I often struggle to cope with having a disability. For several years, I doubted whether the book would ever be finished.
For Paul writes in Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (NLT). Paul highlights that God’s purpose is paramount, not our own. He sees the entire picture, whereas we only see a small part of it. Though it may take time, God is steadfast in His commitment to fulfill His promises to us. We must continue to trust God’s heart. Hebrews 10:23 says: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Terrain’s song reminds us where our true testimony (pun intended) lies. Our worth is not determined by our actions or the level of our accomplishments. Our focus is on the redemptive work that has already been accomplished by God through the sacrifice on the cross. Revelation 12:11 says: “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony: they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. ” Though this applies to last day martyrs, it also applies to us.
Whether or not my book is a success, that doesn’t affect my worth in God’s eyes.
Yes, it represents the outward sign of an inner shift that can impact lives profoundly. But it doesn’t change us. That is something only God can accomplish. Despite facing challenges, our salvation remains secure. That is something no one can take away