FACING THE FUTURE
WITH GREAT CONVICTION
Scripture Reading--2 Timothy 1:12
"For the which cause I also suffer these things:
nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto him against that day"
( emphasis added ).
The apostle Paul faced an uncertain future. He was a prisoner of Rome because he had faithfully preached the Gospel ( 2 Tim. 1:8 ). He had suffered much for the sake of Christ, and apparently death was inevitable. In Acts 20:22-24, he spoke confidently about his future, knowing that in human terms the worst awaited him. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy" ( v. 24a ). How could he, not knowing what was ahead of him, be so courageous? He was a man of great conviction.
Sure of his salvation, he knew God had called him to preach the Gospel. He knew he was in the center of God's will. He knew that no matter what happened to him, God was in control. He knew nothing could touch him without God's permission. He knew he was on his way to heaven when he died, and he based everything on his convictions.
Conviction is what we believe based on God's Word. A conviction is something we are willing to live or to die for. It's knowing what we believe and why we believe it. When we believe right, we will live right. Convictions are the anchor of our souls against the storms of life. Someone once said, "He who stands for nothing will usually fall for anything."
Preferences change, but, but convictions don't. Patrick Henry said, "Give me liberty or give me death." When you have the kind of conviction he had, you can face the future victoriously. Build strong convictions because everything in your life will stand upon them.
ACTION POINT: Talk together about your family convictions. Be sure you are basing them on Scripture.
--Jack Palmer--
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