STAND COMPLETE WITH FIRM CONVICTION - Conclusion of Pray for Firm Conviction

You should not be distracted or discouraged by the fact that not all stand complete and with firm conviction.  Some may fall, be deflected, or simply give up.  That happened among those closest to Jesus, his apostles. But when Judas turned traitor, did the other apostles slow down or quit?  No, indeed!  Peter applied Psalm 109:8)  to show  that another would take Judas' place.  A replacement was selected,  and God's loyal ones got on with their preaching assignment.  (Acts 1:15-26)  They were determined to stand complete with firm conviction.

You can be absolutely sure that your standing complete and with firm conviction in all the will of God and will not go unnoticed.  It will be observed and appreciated.  By whom?

Well, your brothers and sisters, who know and love you , will notice.  Even if most do not put it in words, the effect will be similar to what we read at 1 Thessalonians 1:2-6:  "We always thank God when we make mention concerning all of you in our prayers, for we bear incessantly in mind your faithful work and your loving labor and your endurance due your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ before our God and Father.  For . . . the good news we preach did not turn up among you with speech alone but also with power and with holy spirit and strong conviction . ..;and you became imitators  of us and of the Lord."  The loyal Christians around you will feel similarly as they observe that you "stand complete and with firm conviction in all the will of God." -Colossians 1:23.

Just as certainly, your heavenly Father will observe and will be pleased.  Be confident of that. Why?  Because you are standing complete and with firm conviction "in all the will of God."  Paul wrote encouragingly to the Colossians about their walking  "worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him."  (C0lossians 1:10) Yes, it is possible for imperfect humans to please him fully.  Your Colossians around you right now are doing so.  You too can do so!  Hence, during the course of this coming year, let your daily prayers and your regular actions prove that you are determined  "finally [to]stand complete and with firm conviction in all the will of God." 

Next time: TRUE FAITH Is It Still Possible?

The Watchtower, 2000