Convictions
How does that word hit you? Conviction.
“Having convictions can be defined as being so thoroughly convinced that Christ and His Word are both objectively true and relationally meaningful that you act on your beliefs regardless of the consequences.” -Josh McDowell
Not long ago, someone sent me a link for a devotion that made them think of me. It was totally a God wink for me in a moment when I couldn’t find the words to accurately describe what was going on in my life...why our family had made some pretty big and bold decisions.
Convictions! There’s the word I didn’t know I was searching for! The devotion was speaking to the fact that as believers, we are called to live by conviction rather than convenience.
Take a look at Moses. There’s a man of conviction. Gave up a life of royalty and wealth because of convictions. Then years later, boldly came before the pharaoh of the kingdom he had run away from for fear of his life, with a speech impediment, mind you, to demand the freedom of his people. People probably thought he was losing his mind, asking for such a thing. But there he stood before the most powerful human at that time on the CONVICTION that God would do what God said He would do. And then God showed up and showed OUT for Moses over and over and over again!
Don’t you want that boldness of faith too? Go read in Hebrews 11 where it lists person after person who stood by faith in their conviction that God would do what He said He would do. What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 says: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
When we hold tightly to God’s promises in His Word, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life consistent with the gospel. That Holy Spirit conviction will be like a lighthouse on the shore, keeping you from eternal harm and lighting the narrow path that you are painfully aware few are walking with you.
**Side note, please go cross reference “right hand” in the bible...it will blow your mind what God is promising to us right there!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
“Living by faith means choosing God’s plan over the culture’s plan, then watching Him work it out for your good and other’s benefit.” -Tony Evans
So, if you find yourself standing your ground on your faith in God’s promises in His Word for your life and your family’s lives, it may feel shaky but you are standing on the Rock of Ages who:
does not change,
ALWAYS provides a way in the wilderness,
will never leave you or forsake you,
and whose power is made perfect in your weaknesses!
Stand. Your. Ground. Whether it be a big thing, or a “seemingly small” thing, follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in your life.
“Our leisure, even our play, is a matter of serious concern. There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.” C.S. Lewis
Keep fighting for those convictions; keep standing your ground!
Happy Digging, friends!
