Word of Our Testimony

Before my book "Going Farther" was published or even fully written, I struggled with, "why should I share my story?"

And not only why, but I was afraid to share. What if, when I talk about almost losing my marriage and my faith, because I was unfaithful, that it destroys the person I have worked so hard at becoming today?

I can't tell you how many times I would wake up with tears streaming down my face, because I would dream that I was that unfaithful wife again and that Vaughan had left me. Or that he left me because I shared our struggles with the world.

Then, there were the daily fears that I battled with.

"What are people going to think of me when they find out what kind of person I was?" There were times, that my fear would be just to much to bare, and I would say, "It's not worth it, I don't have the courage to keep going."

Very early in my editing process, my editor said to me, "Vahen, the enemy does NOT want you to write your story, and is making EVERY attempt to derail you."

Why? Because he KNOWS the power of our testimony.

Through the painful process of writing my book, God would continue to remind me of Revelations 12:11 "That we overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of our testimony." Saying, Vahen, you write your story, and I will do the rest..

So, I kept pushing forward, and each time I was attacked with my fears, I would fight back with God's promises. Now, seeing how God has unfolded all the events in my life since my book launch, it's CLEAR that He has done the rest!!

Telling people what I've overcome, HAS helped and encouraged others, but has also helped my own faith in unexplainable ways. Today, I am FULLY set free from the pain and shame of my past, and I give God all the glory as I share my story. Each message I receive, either from someone who has read my book, one of my blogs, or who have heard me speak, is a reminder that God is using my story to show others they are not alone, and helping them to trust God in THEIR unbearable

circumstances. It is truly AMAZING what God does with our weakness and our obedience.

And speaking of AMAZING..... About a month ago, I was asked to share my story in the Woman Together online magazine, but the AMAZING thing is, that this magazine is translated into Russian, and is going to 26 countries around the world where there are Russian speaking people.

AND JUST as I was finishing this blog, I get the email with the magazine attached, and I knew I had to share it with you. I can hardly believe it, my story is now translated into Russian, and will be distributed to 26 countries around the world. I don't even know what to say right now, other than WOW, and thank you God for helping me overcome my fears, and taking my story to use it for Your glory, like only YOU CAN. BOY are You ever DOING THE REST!

To View the magazine CLICK HERE!

The enemy does not want us to share our scars, because he wants us to stay isolated and feeling all alone. He knows that when we share our pain, that it points to Jesus, the one who gives us strength.

When I heard this song "Loving my Jesus" by Casting Crowns for the first time this morning, it sparked me to reflect and share this with you.

Here are some of the lyrics..but you have to hear the song.

Loving my Jesus

Showing my scars

Telling my story of how mercy

Can reach You where You are

And I pray the whole world hears

The cry of my heart

Is to see all the ones I love

Loving my Jesus