“The only faith that wears well and holds its color in all weathers is that which is woven of conviction and set with the sharp mordant of experience” [Lawell]. Ezra stood before his King and Said, “I believe in God”! Now in the face of difficult conditions, he finds, along with others, an opportunity of acting out what he believed.
This is a revealing moment for Ezra, because it allows those who were viewing his life to determine for themselves if he really had conviction to trust in his God. It was one thing for Ezra to say that he believed in God, but altogether different to act out his belief.
Biblically based conviction will manifest itself through at least three areas of your personal life. All three areas are important and equal in degree.
Courage is evident in a person with Godly conviction. “The man who is just and resolute will not be moved from his settled purpose, either by the misdirected rage of his fellow citizens, or by the threats of an imperious tyrant.” [Horace]. First hand knowledge of God’s protection and faithfulness is foundational to any strength and bravery shown before the enemies of righteousness. Earnest prayer and passionate seeking of the Lord has its roots in believing in His refuge of care, Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah.
A second area where conviction is seen in your life is through carefulness with any given possession and responsibility. “For want of a nail the show was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost; being overtaken and slain by the enemy, all for want of care about a horseshoe nail.” [Franklin; Pore Richard’s Almanac]. Our responsibility before God is to watch and keep those things most precious to His heart and mind. Therefore, it will require careful diligence to show our faithfulness in such matters pleasing to our Savior. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” [I Cor. 4:2].
Conviction in the life of a believer for the things of God will only be seen when consecration is evident in the private life. The public testimony for Christ always reflects a personal separation from the profane. There is a self-dedication to the Person and work of the Lord. “It is not a question of who or what you are, but whether God controls you.” [Dr. J. Wilbur Chapmen]. (Thoughts from Ezra 8: 1-36).
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