“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” – Hebrews 11:13 (KJV)
A conviction is not just what we live for but also what we are prepared to die for. For most Christians, the idea of dying in faith, not having received the promises is weird. To them, it is a show of weakness and lack of faith. They would rather prefer that they received all the promises and live on to enjoy them. Faith is a strong conviction to keep believing even unto death. It is to hold unto what one believe even in the face of death. The stronger our conviction, the stronger we will hold unto the promises of God without wavering.
The champions of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven all held unto their faith. Even when they have not received the promises, they never gave up their convictions. They were persuaded of the promises. They had strong conviction of God’s willingness and ability to make good his promises and as a result, they held unto the promises. Even when they were afar off, they were willing to wait. Even when they were faced with death, and the promises were not forthcoming, they held on to their faith as a result of their strong conviction.
Christian faith is not only for receiving blessings or favour from God and breakthrough. It is equally to stand for, labour and suffer for the kingdom, refusing to compromise in the face of affliction, trials and persecution. The apostles refused to accept deliverance. They had opportunity to escape and evade suffering and mockery but they rather choose to go through the cruel sufferings and afflictions as a commitment and love for God. Their conviction was worth suffering and dying for.
Strong conviction is a result of strong passion and deep revelation of God’s love and commitment. Temptation becomes weak where persuasion is strong; such persuasion or conviction gives us reasons to keep holding unto our belief when everything around us suggests we give up. It gives us the strength to weather the storms and challenges of life. We can handle delays and denials when our conviction is strong.
PRAYER: Oh Lord, strengthen my conviction in your word in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu