Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless.
Cultivate God-confidence.
–1st. Corinthians 10:12, Message Bible
You know, there was a time when I would NOT go anywhere — not even the mailbox — without lipstick and fixing my hair. I am now four months away from turning 65 and all I have to say is:
What a monumental waste of time!!
A waste of time to put my confidence in things like pretty clothes, a stylish haircut, or how many books I sell. Oh, don’t get me wrong — those things are nice and feel good for the moment, but they focus on self, and focusing on self is never the way to true confidence.
That is only one of the many invaluable lessons I learned during my 8-month sabbatical, and a lesson God used to set me free from a lie all of us believe all too readily.
That “self”-confidence = happiness.
Please understand me — I’m not against self-confidence. We all need it in a world where we have to stand up against trials, challenges, etc. But the truth is real “confidence” — the kind that keeps us steady and strong through adversity — doesn’t come from self. It comes from the God Whose strength thrives and grows in the midst of our weaknesses and inabilities.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2nd Corinthians 12:9
Isn’t it just like God to counter our “self-confidence” with a statement that true power and strength can only come when we are weak? Ever wonder why He did it that way? Sure, we all know it’s because He wants us to focus on Him and trust Him in all things, but I also believe He wants us to understand that all those things we DO put our trust and confidence in — appearances, money, success, and even family or a good marriage — only encumber us with false hope and trust in things that can never fully provide the joy and peace we seek.
After almost sixty-five long years, it took me laying many of those things down (although a more accurate statement would be “it took God prying my fingers open to make me let go of those things!”) before I realized that true confidence does not come from anything to do with me AT ALL, but in trusting God for His strength and power to become the woman, Christian, wife, mother, friend, sister, author He wants me to be.
A liberated one.
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
— John 8:32
And that “truth” is, that the only confidence that will buoy you up and keep you afloat is “God-confidence.” To know deep down to the core of your being that in the midst of anything, be it trial or blessing, He loves us and wants to bless us abundantly, exceedingly more than we hope, think, or pray. So the next time you’re in a position that needs confidence, toss the “self” away and go for God’s confidence instead.
Hugs and Happy Weekend!
Julie
MEGA HUGS TO ALL OF YOU WHO CAME TO THE “TIME FOR TEA & ROMANCE” TEA PARTY THIS WEEK. I thought I’d show you the two fun pix my talented hubby made for me for the tea party, which made it all the more fun!
I had a blast, so I hope you did too. I wish everyone could have won, but the winner of the Heart of San Fran trilogy, Ghiradelli chocolates, and a Starbucks gift card was Susan Stitch. SUPER CONGRATS, SUSAN!
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