>> Opening Bible Verse
Hebrews 11:1-40 ESV
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation..."
>> Opening Illustration
Consider the story of Dashart Manji, a man from Gaya who ran away from home to work in the coal mines of Dhanbad. After the tragic death of his wife, Falguni Devi, who fell from a mountain, Dashart faced a harrowing reality: the nearest hospital was 96 kilometers away, and he was unable to reach it in time. Determined to change this for his village, he dedicated the next 22 years to breaking through that mountain with only a hammer. What drove him to do this?
>> Understanding Faith and Conviction
In Hebrews, we read, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith requires seeing the unseen. However, faith without works is dead. To walk in faith, we need conviction.
>> The Background
Many of us believe in God and have faith, yet we struggle to act upon it. Too often, we start the race of faith but fail to finish. The problem is a lack of conviction; we are not fully convinced that it is God’s will. Conviction enables us to persevere until the end. Let’s look at three biblical examples that illustrate this.
>> Examples of Faith and Conviction
> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), enabling believers to stand firm like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Moses, and Abraham amid trials. True faith requires conviction, as demonstrated by Peter, who ultimately embraced his calling despite initial doubt and persecution.
> Daniel 3:16-18
These three young men boldly declared their faith in God, saying, "The God we serve is able to deliver us..." Their conviction kept them unwavering even in the face of death.
> Moses
In Exodus 3:4, Moses turned aside to hear God’s voice from the burning bush. Despite the 40 years of leading a rebellious people, Moses remained faithful and did not question God, demonstrating profound conviction.
> Abraham
Romans 4:20-21 tells us that Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. He was fully convinced that God could do what He promised.
> Other biblical figures exemplifying this conviction include Job, Daniel, Noah, and Nehemiah, each overcoming trials and doubts through their faith and unwavering resolve.
>> Conclusion
Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Like Peter, who doubted while walking on water and denied Jesus three times, we may falter without strong conviction. Ultimately, Peter’s faith grew stronger after his denial, culminating in his martyrdom for the sake of Christ. He died upside down, feeling unworthy to die as Jesus did, reflecting the deep conviction that had taken root in his heart.
Let us strive for that kind of conviction in our own lives, allowing our faith to drive us to action and unwavering commitment to God's will.
