Habakkuk 2: 2 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
When we hear people say that a layman or preacher speaks with conviction, that does not necessarily mean that the Holy Spirit convicts the hearers to the point of decision making, anytime such a preacher opens his mouth to speak. It could also mean that the speaker is deeply persuaded by his or her own words.
It is true that whenever the unadulterated word of God is spoken, The Spirit of God is present to drive home the truths thus presented, but in many cases, the minds of persons may not be convicted enough to the point where they will make a decision for the right. There is a difference between mere information and conviction and even though the two might work in tandem, it is often the case that information may sit on the backburner of a person’s mind, long before any conviction finally does its work, or even arrives.
This fact should not discourage, or dissuade the one who is sent to teach or preach, for our mission is to sow beside all waters not to convict. And thus, in the fullness of time, the God of heaven causes seed to germinate and grow, and it will often bring forth fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundredfold. This fact is clearly stated in the Bible.
Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!