Wednesday, November 16, 2022

November 16, 2022

Have you ever felt led to do something that you knew would be both rewarding and challenging, but then gave up when faced with the challenging part? 

I know I have. And when I look back on those times and analyze my failure, it points to one main thing: a lack of conviction.

In yesterday’s LIO, we learned what convictions are and how they are tested. So how do we develop strong convictions and carry them out? The answer is simple—follow God’s lead and everything will fall into place—right? Wrong! 

As we learned this past weekend in the movie Hacksaw Ridge, Private Desmond Doss’s strong conviction led him down a path where he felt God was calling him, but it was anything but easy. He was beaten, ridiculed, threatened with a court martial, and forced to deal with one challenge after another. But because of his faith, he stood by his strong conviction, trusted where the Lord was leading him, and was exactly where he was meant to be to save 75 lives in battle.

Too often, we naively think that doing God’s will and following his purpose for our life is going to be a cake walk, a stroll down Easy Street. But that’s not how God works. If it was easy, there would be no need for faith or conviction—everyone would be doing it. 

The truth is following where God leads us can be very hard and challenging. There will always be someone trying to tear you down … telling you to quit … telling you it’s not worth it and you’re not worthy. The task you are called to do might be dangerous or frightening or pull you far out of your comfort zone, but the good news is God does not call us to a purpose without providing the tools we need to accomplish it. 

We never face our challenges alone. We have God’s armor.

Ephesians 6:13
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Yes, pursuing our purpose still requires us to fully trust and depend on God with conviction.

Conviction—a feeling of being certain about something.

I’m here to tell you friends, my conviction is that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). I will gladly put on my gospel armor and step into whatever purpose my Heavenly Father calls me to, even if it’s not a cake walk. 

How about you?

Questions: 

How strong is your conviction when it comes to following God’s purpose for your life?

Do you find it difficult to step into your purpose when others are opposing you? Why?

Next Steps: 

Watch the movie Hacksaw Ridge and put yourself in Desmond’s shoes. Try to imagine what you would have done.

Attend GrowthTrack to get a clearer picture of your God-given gifts and purpose.

Would you like to read a story that ties into this week’s theme? Text Fiction to 419-419-0707, and join us for a flash fiction story that parallels the theme from this week’s movie.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, I love you and trust you with all my heart. I want to step into the purpose you have for me, but at times, my conviction is weak. Help me to see more clearly, and give me the courage and strength to trust and follow your lead no matter what challenges I may face. In Jesus’ name, amen.