Fighting Conviction

Fighting conviction is the art of ignoring God — one that if mastered will leave you lacking in destiny and abounding in regret.

It was 2012, and I was getting ready to go hot tubbing with some new friends I had made. As I walked out of my room, I distinctly felt the Holy Spirit telling me to stay home and spend time with Him. I ignored it, hoping the feeling would go away. But it didn’t go away. 

I got in my car hoping not to feel it. But I did feel it. I made it to the stop sign at the end of my neighborhood and knew I was fighting conviction. I decided to turn around and sent a text to my friends telling them that I couldn’t make it.

Later on, I found out that the night had gone differently than I had expected. Looking back, I’m glad I wasn’t a part of it. I’m glad I stayed home. I’m glad I followed God’s conviction.

And I wish all my stories ended this way.

Maybe you have a distorted view of conviction. Perhaps, you believe that God’s conviction prevents you from having fun. When in reality, God’s conviction protects you from getting hurt.

You have a good Father. One that knows you better than you know yourself. He also knows your destiny and can see into your future. When you rely on conviction to be your guide, you’ll always experience blessings — even though sacrifice is usually required.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.‘” — Jeremiah 29:11

Maybe you are currently fighting conviction. As you were reading this article, the Holy Spirit was prompting an area of your life that you have been holding back.

I want to encourage you; conviction is an invitation to live your best life — obey it.

— Daniel Maddry