Persuasion Has Gripped My Soul: Are You Living by Your Faith or Someone Else’s?

Many believers today are convinced by sermons, personalities, and spiritual voices around them — yet not persuaded by their own faith. Scripture warns us about this subtle drift. Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20–21). To set aside God’s grace is to reject it, and rejection often looks like doing nothing with what God has given us.

We live in a time when many have squandered the Spirit of Grace. Holy Spirit dwells within us, yet too often we live as though He is a distant visitor rather than the very breath in our lungs.

Persuasion vs. Genuine Faith

A friend recently shared something the Lord showed her: many people are persuaded by someone else’s faith, not their own. A pastor’s conviction, a leader’s authority, or a friend’s confidence can sway us — but persuasion without personal revelation is fragile.

Paul confronted this in the Galatian church:

“You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.”  - Galatians 5:7–8

He then warns, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”Leaven isn’t only sin — it can be doubt, unbelief, or borrowed conviction.

Your personal walk with God and your life in the world should match. If you believe something simply because a pastor said it, but you’ve never filtered it through the Word of God, your faith is leaning on someone else’s revelation.

The Kingdom Is Not in Words Alone

Paul reminds us:

“For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.”  - 1 Corinthians 4:20

If our faith is genuine, we should expect God to demonstrate His presence. Not because we demand signs, but because the gospel carries power. Paul preached with word, power, and the Holy Spirit — and the people became imitators of Christ.

The Church is not a building. You are the ecclesia — God’s governing voice on earth. You carry heaven’s authority into earthly situations.

Awakening From Spiritual Sleep

Many Christians today are spiritually drowsy. Their eyes are clouded, their discernment dull, and their hunger faint. Luke 9:32 tells us that even Peter — who walked with Jesus — nearly missed the glory of the transfiguration because he was “heavy with sleep.”

A slumbering spirit blinds us from seeing the movement of God.

Authority has already been given to us (Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15–18). Jesus didn’t give us authority to admire it — He gave it so we could use it.

Every command He gave was a verb:

• Go

• Make

• Baptize

• Teach

• Preach

• Cast out

• Speak

• Lay hands

Faith is not passive nor is Christianity is a spectator sport.

Love: The Foundation of All Ministry

In John 17, Jesus prayed for His disciples — and for every believer who would come after them. His prayer was drenched in love and unity. Ministry without love is empty. Power without love is noise. Jesus said we would be known by our love, not our charisma.

Revelation Comes From the Spirit, Not People

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered correctly — but Jesus made it clear that revelation came from the Father, not human reasoning.

Holy Spirit is the One who testifies of Jesus, guides us into truth, and reveals what is to come (John 15:26–27; John 16:13–15). Without Him, we can hear sermons, attend church, and still remain unchanged.

Signs, Wonders, and the Active Christian Life

Mark 16 tells us that a believer’s life should be marked by:

• Healings

• Miracles

• Deliverance

• Speaking in tongues

• Bold proclamation of the gospel

  
  

Not because we chase experiences, but because the Word carries power. Preaching opinions produces noise. Preaching the Word produces transformation.

What Are You Feeding Your Spirit?

We are triune beings — body, soul, and spirit — and all three must be fed. If you ate one meal a week, your body would weaken. Likewise, if you feed your spirit once a week, it will starve.

So what are you consuming?

• Social media validation?

• Carnal entertainment?

• Pornography?

• Self‑pleasure?

• Endless distractions?

  
  

Your spirit shrinks when it is deprived of the Word. Loving God means desiring to know Him — not just loving the idea of forgiveness.

Are You Squandering the Gift of God in You?

God placed His Spirit inside you. That is not a small thing. If you do nothing with Him, Scripture is clear — you will give an account.

But the invitation is open. The Father is calling you to awaken, to return, to rediscover your hunger.

Are you ready to stop squandering the gift of God and start living the adventurous life Jesus intended?

If your heart is stirring, consider rededicating your life to Him today. He is waiting — not with condemnation, but with love.

Let's pray,

Heavenly Father, God of heaven and earth, thank You for the calling to Your presence. I desire a do-over. Help me today to live for You and do the things You desire for me. I choose obedience over rebellion and faith over fear. In Jesus name, Amen