To summarize, in order to make sure that we run a good race, we need to make sure our convictions are well founded. Just think of the runner who started off so well only to find down the road when the hills started coming that he just gave up on running or perhaps even worse he got off the course and ran elsewhere.
Whenever we do not clearly evaluate and base our convictions squarely on the scriptures, the potential of not finishing the race is greatly increased. We do not understand how strong political, religious and worldly forces are fighting God's revealed design for our lives. In one sense, it just doesn't make sense. On the other hand it does, because they prefer their own ways. They must deny God's ways in order to carry out their own lusts.
When we identify our convictions and then find their biblical source, then we are personalizing our faith. We are saying God is important because of what He says rather than what other people have said.
However, for this process to work, we must be willing to be thorough. We need to find the verses and make sure their interpretation rightly works within the teaching of all the scriptures. We cannot underestimate the power and influence of our convictions. For the last part of getting ready, we have but one more item. We need to get even more specific as we personalize these convictions into readily usable statements.
