Day 3 | What Would Convince You?

Reflection

On the few occasions I've abseiled, I’ve discovered I tend to like having something to hold on to. And I don’t just mean the rope. I need to hold onto some facts.

So, I’ll quietly establish that the instructor has done this before (successfully!). I’ll jokingly ask about the weight-bearing tolerance of the rope – if the rope could hold a small car, that’s reassuring. I’ll glance over at the anchor points and confirm they look secure.

If all these points look positive, then I’m good to go. Especially if I’ve seen others go first. I might even enjoy it! My confidence grows as the facts stack up. None of these personal checks give me 100% security, of course, but they help convince me.

In Luke 24:36–39, the risen Jesus recognises His disciples’ need to be convinced. He spent time with them after the resurrection. His presence brought reassurance and confirmed that He truly had been risen from the dead – and therefore confirmed everything else He had said was true as well.

Today the evidence for the resurrection is my favourite go-to place to be convinced, and in turn, to be confident. Those first disciples went ahead of the rest of us. They continued their discipleship in the light of their encounter with the risen Jesus. The fact that so many of them were prepared to pay the ultimate price for their faith adds significantly to my confidence.

What helps you to be convinced? What facts do you hold on to in Scripture? In your own life? In others’ lives?

Responding in prayer

Lord, when life on our frontlines seems scary, if a lot seems uncertain today, thank you that, knowing You are with us, we have more than enough to hold on to.

Thank you that Your presence brings reassurance, and Your reassurance grows my confidence.