Step Two: Be Confident
Someone once said that God put giants in the Promise Land to keep unbeliever’s out. There’s a lot of truth in that statement. Doubt, like fear, robs us of our confidence. Therefore, faith is the only antidote. If I want to experience the “Promise Land” or the abundantly life marked by peace and confidence, faith must rule my life instead of fear. But what do I put my faith in? Do I put it in myself, in government, the scientist, religious leaders, or the world?
Do you remember when the world was trouble-free? When everyone lived together in peace? Oh, wait a minute. That never happened! The world has always been full of troubles.
Even the troubles in our world today are not new. They may come upon us in a new way, but they are still the same temptations, trails, and troubles that have always confronted society since the Garden of Eden. Every day the newspaper, radio, Internet, and television give evidence to the fact that our world is evil. Despair, abuse, war, sickness and death haunt every country. Each person in some way has tasted the bitterness of sorrow and tragedy. In spite of all that, we do not have to be worrywarts.
Life may not be certain, but God is. In Him lies my confidence. What does confidence in God look like? It looks like a believer who does business on the basis of Who is making the promises. But what if God forgets His promise. Worse yet, what if he forget me?
Good question! My answer is this. The Lord will never forget nor for sake you or me. He is a promise keeper. To be certain of that comes only by knowing Him. That kind of confidence comes when we mediate on His Word and His ways. When we hide His Word in our hearts, we’ll know truth from lies. We will know how to battle fear and win!
my first speaking engagement
One of the giants in my life that took real confidence was my first speaking engagement. I was asked to give a devotional to the band members of a Christian school as they prepared to compete with other high school bands at the state competition. On my way to the school that fall morning, my heart was full of joy as I thanked God for allowing me the opportunity to speak truth and encouragement into these young lives. I was eager and well prepared. Yes, all was going well until I pulled into the school’s parking lot.
Suddenly, I was paralyzed by fear. With my hands frozen to the steering wheel of the car, I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t believe I had said, “Yes” to speak to anyone! Doubts about my ability and message flooded my heart and mind. I was in full blown panic mode. With my hands still glued to the wheel and tears streaming down my checks, I turned and looked at the passenger seat. In my mind’s eye, Satan was sitting there with a boastful grin painted across his devilish face. He taunted me, “What are you doing here?” Confused by fear I responded, “I don’t have a clue what I’m doing here!” At that moment I’d rather die than speak.
I had a choice to make. I could either allow my anxiety to prevent me from speaking or I could face the platform with courage and confidence. How does one find courage when they’re trembling in fear? Sometimes it comes down to deciding what is more important—the thing we need to do or yielding to our fear.
That day in my car when fear gripped me, I searched my thoughts only to discover that my nervousness was based on pride. “What will they think of me?” I anxiously wondered. Knowing my own limitations created doubt in my mind. Leaning on my own understanding could have caused me to back away. Instead, I decided to trust God’s wisdom over my own. My heart warmed as I considered what was more important. What God wanted to say to those kids through me was what mattered most. I decided that I might not be qualified to speak to others, but God could speak through me. God never calls us to do something He has not equipped us to do. He had called me to this place. I was there by divine appointment. Sure, my heart was pounding and my knees were knocking, but I chose to be brave. I chose to speak–afraid. I choose to put my confidence in God The result was amazing. I could sense God pouring his love through me and into the hearts of those teens.
God may not lay out His entire plan all at once. He will give us enough light to guide our way. Will we encounter some trouble along the way. Mostly likely, we will because we live in a fallen world. The good news is, God has promised to use our troubles for good. So trust Him with your dream. Trust Him with your goal. Trust Him with your family—your concerns and worries. He that promised to be with you, to work for good on your behalf, who loves you beyond measure—is worth placing your confidence in.
Today’s post was adapted from Micca’s book, An Untroubled Heart
Nereida says
I just love the last sentence. I need to do this more often. I let those fears take control of my feelings and actions. I just love Prov31 Ministries and GOD!!!
Julie Gillies says
Wow, Micca, loved this post–I really needed to read it. I’m writing my first book, and that’s a huge blessing and challenge all at once. But I’m also feeling led to step out and speak regularly. I’m doing my part as far as getting prepared, but I really wrestle with fear and can SO relate to your car episode.
Thanks for this timely encouragement!
Micca says
Julie, have you considered attending She Speaks, our annual writer’s/speaker conference? You can find info about it at http://www.proverbs31.org It’s almost full so if you’re interested, hurry! If you miss out this year, don’t fret! God who called you is faithful. He will provide ways to prepare and equip you so that your confidence in “your call” rises and you’re able to fulfil what God requires. Hugs!