“So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him.” (Acts 11:2)
Apostle Peter had received a divine revelation to go and preach in the house of Cornelius the Centurion. In fact, he had no doubt that it was God’s will for him to go there after he had received the vision.
However, when Peter returned to Jerusalem from Cornelius’ house, he received fierce criticism from the Jewish believers for going to share fellowship with Gentiles (non-Jews). Here is where conviction is tested.
If Peter didn’t have a strong conviction about God’s leading to minister to the Gentiles, he would have backed off in despair. But he was bold enough to explain to them the reason for his actions.
Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened. (Acts 11:8)
After backing his explanation with a report of the results of his ministrations which proved God’s presence with him, the people had no further objections.
When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” (Acts 11:18)
This happens all the time. When we are not sure of God’s will and leading for our lives, we will always be directed and affected by the comments and criticisms of people. The resultant instability will not allow us to excel.
It’s our sense of conviction that grounds us deeply in God’s will and purpose for our lives. May God fill our hearts with strong conviction by His Spirit to fulfill our calling!
Remain inspired!
https://joelkwesibaidoo.blogspot.com/2023/01/conviction.html
