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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

BECAUSE I KNOW

December 23, 2010

A belief is something I hold. A conviction is something that holds me. I learned this staggering truth years ago. Ultimately, the Christian faith is about conviction--what holds us.

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is not cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
                                                   - 2 Timothy 1:12 TNIV

To be a Christian for Paul brings no small challenge; in fact, he says, he's suffering because of it. He tells Timothy, that while he's not happy about the suffering, he knows that serving Christ faithfully is the best.  And that God will keep his promises to him. He says, "am convinced." This belief of his grasps him and gives him confidence in the face of the hassles and pains of his life.

"Because I know..." That statement makes all the difference, not only for Paul, but it can for you as well. When conviction grasps us, we know! And knowing makes all the difference when facing the challenges. We might pray that God turns our "beliefs" into "conviction!"

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson