Confidence—where does it come from and how do we get it?
Hebrews 4:16 tell us we can approach God with confidence in order to find mercy and grace, and help. And there are other places in the Bible where characters are confident, either in their actions (think of David facing Goliath) or their attitudes (Paul being confident that God would perform a good work in people’s lives).
Let’s focus on God’s grace. Grace is getting a good thing not deserved. Eternal life with Jesus is so significant and overwhelming (as in crying happy tears of relief and joy). So much so that it’s easy to stop at that idea. But God desires so much more for us. What did he save us for?
Life abundant—overflowing—is what he desires for us. Removing every trial? Nah. God doesn’t eliminate our suffering in this life, though he hates it. The Bible is pretty clear we will have trials since it instructs us on what to do during them (James 1:2-4). But you can live with clarity and purpose. God’s design builds confidence when you sense what God has for you. Despair fades into the background and hope begins to flow.
God wants you to understand not only mercy, but also his eternal, spiritual truth, that he created you with a unique purpose that only you can fulfill. To move forward in life, start with this understand that who you are and how God designed you means everything and makes all the difference. What if you could have a greater understanding of your personality? Are you an Extravert or an Introvert? What does that even mean, exactly? It means more than just liking to show up in the crowd or not. How do you process information? What are your skills?
Confidence is the assurance of something. To have a Confident Identity means you’re living with the assurance of knowing who you are.
Spend time in prayer, asking God for help, for wisdom and insight. God will do his part, but you have a part, too. You can spend time in wise and thoughtful examination. The opposite of confidence is uncertainty. But knowing who you are, discovering your God given mission, only decreases the unknowns and adds to your confidence no matter where you are on the journey.
My book, Confident Identity, guides you through the journey of discovering and clarifying who you are. Your gifting, talent, spiritual identity—all of this covered by a licensed professional counselor who has helps others push through confusion and doubt. I’ll help you walk forward towards your most authentic and purposeful self.