There are some things I’m very confident about, others…not so much. I’m confident that God loves me; I’m confident that my family loves me; that my husband would protect me from harm.
Unfortunately, my confidence level takes a nose dive every time I look in the mirror. That’s when I’m staring my flaws, failures and inabilities in the face and I question my own potential. Yet, God’s Word is to be my mirror…not the glass-layered aluminum situated on my bathroom wall.
I love how the Amplified expands the significance of Phil 1:6, “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
Paul was absolutely confident that God would do what God wanted to do in his life. The same is true for you and me. The work He chose to begin in you will be the work He will develop, perfect and bring to full completion. It may not be the work you think it should be, but I assure you, it is the work you were created to complete…it is chock-full of the good works He has saved you to accomplish.
Ephesians 2:10 in the Amplified says it this way…
“For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].“
I’ve learned that if my confidence level is low, it’s because it’s supposed to be. Phil 3:3 says,
“For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit and by the Spirit of God and exult and glory and pride ourselves in Jesus Christ, and put no confidence or dependence [on what we are] in the flesh and on outward privileges and physical advantages and external appearances–.”
My confidence is found in the Living God. He chooses my path; He decides how He wants to use me; He chooses what gifts and abilities He wants to use in and through me. It is He that works in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
I am His and I am absolutely confident that He will accomplish what He desires through me.
How about you? Do you struggle with confidence? Are you listening to the mirror on the wall or to the mirror of God’s Word?
Hi, Stephanie 🙂
I think that, for me, it's a matter of patience OR being able to figure out the path. I am on MY path, and I BELIEVE it follows God's path, though, when I don't feel like I'm getting results or making progress, I DO question it. I wonder if it's simply a matter of patience, or if I'm on the wrong path. It can be very difficult to determine!
I also wonder if it's a “control” issue. Many Christians sit back and WAIT for God to do things for them. I find this ridiculous. We are here to serve HIM, not for Him to serve US. So, with that said, I take control over my path, and though I ask God for his guidance, wisdom and strength, I'm not sure I'm always attune to what His answers may be.
Great post, Stephanie 🙂
Oh, yes … any time I am not closely walking in the Word and keeping His truth flowing through my mind and heart. I need it daily to give me an accurate view of myself from God's perspective.
Hi Donna,
I like your take on how often times we aren't confident because we aren't sure we're on the right path. I can't tell you how many times I began making my way down a road that wasn't mine to take!
Thanks for that sweet reminder!
Hi Julie,
Ain't it the truth that we so need the Truth! Filtering life through the lens of the Word always helps us see things rightly.
Thanks for blessing us with your insight and reminder of how we need the a daily dose of the Word!
Precious post! I think this is something we all need to read. Thanks for sharing your insight!
Oh thank you!!! I really appreciate this post…it's always great to know when we have others who are in our same place. Someone FB'd a scripture that I took to heart this week…Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
I hope that is comforting to you this week as you go forward with your blessings for His kingdom.
Praying for you Steph…
Trish Z., Leadership Coach
http://www.TrishZ.com
Stephanie – The problem (?) as I see it for myself is the end of that verse “developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” It isn't all sweetness and light, even though the words sound good. It is that very developing and perfecting that is so painful. If not physically then emotionally and spiritually. To rip out the “weeds” and make room for the good stuff. And it doesn't happen in an instant. What God has to do for that to happen to me is rather ugly. So that is how confidence disappears. But I am trying to not run, to head straight into it, no matter how horrible I feel. If I let God have his way, it will turn out well in the long run. But it hurts 🙁
Jean ~ Thank you SO much for sharing that confidence in what God will do in and through us does not come without the strain. What a painful process His “working in and through us” can be!
Weeding out the old, dry, parched, unproductive and unnecessary… refining us by fire… molding us and chipping off whatever is hindering our journey… It's all so difficult, yet Christ calls us to be conformed to His image and unfortunately that process requires pains.
Love that you reminded us, it's not easy… but it's oh-so worth it… and the beauty is that He is with us, enabling us and strengthening us every step of the way.
Blessings to you, my friend!
Great post, Stephanie! When I need a confidence boost I just remind myself “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) Bcausevof this promise, it's never a question of if can do or overcome something. Through Christ the possibilities are limitless! Apart from Christ I can do nothing (John 15:5) but through Him I can do all things!