Ours is a world of ever changing, conflicting narratives meant to persuade us. How do we navigate through these uncertain times?
It’s everywhere on the news and social media. We’re told stories about what is happening in our world. If only the news stories were simply the facts—without the commentary. Depending on who we are listening to, the stories—more often than not—conflict.
The conflicting narratives work at persuading us why ‘this’ is right and ‘that’ is wrong—or what we need to hurry up and do or not do. All this leads to confusion—and we know that God is not the author of confusion.
“
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,”
There’s a way that we can quickly gain clarity. It’s by looking to God—focusing on Who and what we ARE persuaded of.
My inspiration for this post is a verse that’s been made into the chorus of one of my favorite hymns:
“...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
Knowing Whom we have believed and being persuaded that He is able to keep what we have committed to Him—no. matter. what—is about the best encouragement I can think of today!
Being ‘Persuaded’
by our God,
keeps us from being
‘Confused’ by the world.
Looking deeper into the word “persuaded”:
In Greek, peitho (3920)
to convince
to assent (to evidence or authority)
to rely on (by inward certainty)
trust in, yield to
Studying the word, we find persuasion used at times for good, and at other times for evil. The first time it’s used in the New Testament is in Matthew:
“ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.”
The ‘chief priests’ and ‘elders’ in those days seem comparable to many of the authorities of our day.
Notice how they
had great influence
over the multitude.
That has not changed—many are in the business of persuading ‘the multitude’ in today’s world.
This verse shows the people were persuaded to believe lies. They were influenced to make the choice that was completely against God. The worst choice anyone could ever make.
Spiritually,
we have an enemy
who wants to influence
and persuade us.
“Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.”
Who we are
persuaded by
affects how we feel,
and the way we live life.
“
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: ”
Thankfully, by God’s grace working in us—fully persuaded like Abraham—we can be strong in faith!
“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
No, we can’t always understand our world, and it can feel like we are powerless to make a difference. But God…
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
I hope you, too, have been
encouraged to be
fully persuaded by God!
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”
In a world of created changeable things, Christ and his Word alone remain unshaken. - Valley of Vision
