I AM CONVINCED

Jesus was gracious enough to appear to Paul. Christ knocked him off his donkey, onto the ground, introduced Himself and blinded him until he met Ananias in Damascus. Then Paul understood who he just encountered and how his life must change. 

For many Christians, not only is our personal salvation or conversion story a mighty convincing proof of Christ's love for us, but in many life challenges afterward as well. The accounts I have heard from the testimonies of others meant the provision of protection, deliverance and resources came only from God. The same can be said for Paul. 

One of Paul's well known phrases that proclaims this and that I love is "I am convinced...". It is one thing to hear a silver-tongue orator who is excellent at the word-smith skill to persuade his/her audience. It is another to hear a well educated speaker present his/her findings on a topic for our information or enlightened purposes. There is a totally different and convincing power behind a speaker, singer or author who has experienced what they are convincing you about. 

Knowing Paul's challenging life, this "I am convinced" carries the weight of a powerful testimony you and I cannot damage, slander or refute. I give my full attention to the words that follow Paul's declaration of "I am convinced" because of his track record with the risen Lord. 

Paul says in Romans 8:38-39 - 
"I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I have been convinced many times on the assurance of God's love and care in my life. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Are you convinced or being convinced also? Like Paul's strong witness down through the ages through his life and words, the rest of believers in Christ can join Him and say, even in the middle of a crisis, "I Am Convinced".