If I’m Not Dead, You’re Not Done

The song, “My Testimony,” inspired me to write this morning. It’s performed by Elevation Worship, a music ministry born out of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. Thank you Pastor Steven and Holly Furtick for starting Elevation Church and Elevation Worship. I’m part of Elevation’s eFam and attend worship service every Sunday morning at 10 am, in addition to service at my local church, New Community Church in Wexford, PA at 11 am.

What is your testimony? The opening lyrics sum up mine:

I saw Satan fall like lightning
I saw darkness run for cover
But the miracle that I just can’t get over
My name is registered in Heaven

I believe in signs and wonders
I have resurrection power
Still, the miracle that I just can’t get over
My name is registered in Heaven

Yeah, my praise belongs to You forever
This is my testimony
From death to life
‘Cause grace rewrote my story
I’ll testify
By Jesus Christ, the righteous
I’m justified
This is my testimony

How many different versions of yourself do you have? At one point in my life, there were three or four different Marcs. Now there’s one. If you think you can separate who you are at work from who you are at home, in the community, or at church, then you’re kidding yourself. I had to learn the hard way the consequences of living as different versions. Frankly, I was selfish and all about Marc. Everything I did was about my plans, my will. My success was my primary motive. I was worshiping my career and my success. That was my first love, and I placed it above everything else. The different versions were created by adapting my persona in different environments to accomplish the goal of advancing Marc’s agenda, not serving others. It seemed like nothing I did or accomplished was enough. There was always something else I wanted, something else I was chasing. I was never happy. I was not content. I lacked gratitude for what I had.

However, I’m so grateful that my journey has led me to where I am today. The good, the bad, and the ugly led me here, and I am grateful. It is by God’s grace that I am here. Grace rewrote my story.

Now, there’s just one Marc. I am the same person in every arena. I am bold enough and courageous enough to be who God wants me to be no matter the environment. I’m equipped by the Holy Spirit to navigate my way through life while the Fruit of the Spirit is revealed. At least that’s my hope. As an imperfect human who will never be perfect on this side of Heaven, I aspire to live the example that Jesus set.

If I’m not dead, He’s not done with me. I believe greater things are still to come. My best days are up ahead of me. This is my testimony.

The same is true for you if you believe. Indeed, He is risen! Happy Easter.