Girl Matters

Someone recently asked me, "What is conviction?"

Thankfully I had just taken a bite of my Hawaiian chicken sandwich, so I had about 20 seconds (or 30 bites + 2 sips of Diet Coke) to craft an answer to
this loaded question.

Of course there is no simple answer, but as our conversation
progressed, the definition that emerged is that conviction is something
that we will lay everything down for, and is based on core values that
we will not compromise, no matter what the cost or consequence. We also
discussed how convictions are meant to be tested, and will undoubtedly
be tested.

Since that conversation, I've been reflecting on the various times that
God challenged me to follow 'conviction' over the years, whether it was
decisions about my major, church, career, city of residence, family,
relationships, or future. I began to notice that there's a clear
pattern that emerges, almost without fail, each time there is a new
conviction. I've outlined this pattern below, and I've called it the Life Cycle of Conviction.

The Life Cycle of Conviction
Phase 1: Conviction^1 - A conviction is born, accepted, and embraced.
Phase 2: Calm - Everything is smooth sailing: the skies are blue, the grass
is green, the waves are gently lapping against the shore. Life is
peachy.
Phase 3: Chaos - Suddenly, without warning, the storm clouds
roll in. This phase may look different for everyone: it may come in the
form of uncontrollable circumstances, interrogations from family,
criticisms from friends, etc.
Phase 4: Confusion - In the midst of Chaos, the conviction that was
conceived in Phase 1 is questioned: was it a lapse of judgment, an
emotional outburst, a product of brainwashing?
Phase 5: Conviction^2 - Conviction that survives through Chaos and Confusion reemerges: deepened, purified, strengthened.

The funny thing is, we tend to get surprised by Phase 3: Chaos, which
is why we find ourselves wandering into Phase 4: Confusion. As I was
thinking about this Life Cycle of Conviction, though, I realized that
Phase 3: Chaos shouldn't be such a surprise.

The Apostle James writes about this when he says, "Consider it pure
joy, my brothers [and sisters!], whenever you face trials of many
kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

Maybe we can never fully avoid Phase 4: Confusion, but perhaps seeing Phase 3: Chaos as a time of developing perseverance, maturity and completeness will give us the will and strength to make it to Phase 5: Conviction^2. Who knows, maybe we'll eventually be able to press a button called Faith and take the elevator
straight from Phase 3 to Phase 5. Just make sure you hold 'Door Open'
for others who want to join you for the express ride.