Confident Living
“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:14)
As a young girl, Corrie came face to face with her own fears. A neighbor’s baby had died, and Corrie realized that it was possible for anyone to die, even her own beloved father. “You can’t die! You can’t!” she sobbed. This is how she described her father’s response to her fear:
Father sat down on the edge of the narrow bed, “Corrie,” he began gently, “when you and I go to Amsterdam – when do I give you your ticket?”
I sniffed a few times considering this.
“Why, just before we get on the train.”
“Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things, too. Don’t run ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need – just in time.”
(Excerpt from The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom)
What a beautiful reminder that when God calls you to face a certain fear, trial, crisis, ortragedy, He will provide what you need at the time you need it – not before.
I remember facing the same kind of fear after my father had died when I was sixteen years old, only, I feared my mom dying and leaving me an orphan. Dwelling on that thought was almost crippling at times. Some might argue that was a real fear and excused my sinful thoughts, while others told me to just “trust God.” Although those words were unhelpful at the time, there is much truth in them. I now recognize that my thoughts were only focused on me and my situation, rather on the One who held my situation in His hands.
Elyse Fitzpatrick, in her Book, Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety: Becoming a Woman of Faith and Confidence, makes a profound statement about irrational fears. She says;
“You know, the problem with fears that exist only in our imagination is that, since they aren’t real, we must face them alone. God’s grace isn’t available to help us overcome imaginary problems that reside only in our mind. He will help us to put these imagined fears to death, but it’s only in the real world that His power is effective to uphold us in trouble. It’s only when He calls us to actually go through difficult times that His power is present to protect, comfort, and strengthen us.”
Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon on needless fears, and he said;
“…many of God’s people are constantly under apprehension of calamities which will never occur to them, and they suffer far more in merely dreading them than they would have to endure if they actually came upon them. In their imagination, there are rivers in their way, and they are anxious to know how they shall wade through them, or swim across them. There are no such rivers in existence, but they are agitated and distressed about them….these timid people are continually crossing bridges that only exist in their….fancies. They stab themselves with imaginary daggers, they starve themselves in imaginary famines, and even bury themselves in imaginary graves….”
I have often heard preachers make statements such as these:“Christians should be the happiest people,” or “The world should see a difference in how Christians live.” I agree with both of these statements, and not because I think Christians don’t have real problems, or that we are publically held to a pious standard, but because we should exude a certain confidence, especially in difficult times, that the world cannot comprehend. The truth is that God does not want us to put confidence in our own powers and abilities. He wants us to put our confidence in His power.
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:5)
Confidence is the product of placing our faith in a loving, sovereign God. I read a wonderful definition of faith as being knowledge of God’s character, the belief that He is able to do all that He has promised, and the trust to follow Him wherever He leads. If we truly lived by this description of faith, then we should be able to overcome our fears and walk confidently throughout our days.
The world will tell you that confidence is a feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities. We are prompted to think and act with self-assurance: to live boldly and brazenly. For a believer, confidence is a belief that one can have faith in and rely on God. Our confidence is displayed through our trust and obedience to God. Confidence is exerting our faith above our fears. It is not a denial that we do not experience fear at all.
The Bible warns us not to put confidence in certain things:
• Flesh – Philippians 3:3
• Man – Psalm 118:6, 8
• Wealth – Proverbs 11:28
• Our Own Heart – Proverbs 28:26
• Our Own Righteousness – Ezekiel 33:13
• Works and Treasures – Jeremiah 48:7
Biblical self-confidence is really a confidence in God’s character and His Word. We need to allow Scripture, not the world, to teach us about confidence.
My confidence comes from God’s promises.
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6)
My confidence is in a sovereign God.
“The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.”(Is. 14:24)
My confidence comes from fearing the Lord.
“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” (Prov. 14:26)
My confidence is in God’s grace and strength.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (II Cor. 12:9)
My confidence is in my union with Christ.
“According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” (Eph. 3:11-12)
My confidence comes by God hearing and answering prayer.
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” (I John 5:14)
My confidence is in God’s desire to help me.
“Let us therefore come boldly (with confidence) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16)
My confidence comes from abiding in Christ.
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.”(I John 2:28)
When we walk through life carrying and exhibiting irrational and imaginary fear, what does that say to the lost world? How can we encourage others to put their trust in a God we don’t appear to trust? Are we telling others that our fear is bigger and greater than God? Are we convincing others to put their faith in God only for salvation but not everyday living?
In order to win the lost, we must show them a confidence in a God Who is not only able to save their souls, but also to help them live righteously and victoriously. People should see a difference in us. They should know that our faith overcomes our fear.
Ladies, we need to remember that we do not need the “ticket” for God’s grace for a train that has not - and may never - arrive at our station. Fear can be deceitful and debilitating, whether it is fear of a major tragedy or even just a fear of simple everyday things. Fear can take over our thoughts when we choose to gaze at it and only glance at our God. Our fear will be defeated by walking confidently in the Truth and by the Spirit. If you are a child of God, you can boldly proclaim Paul’s words given by the Holy Spirit:
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25)
More truth:
• Psalm 16 is an excellent example of living confidently. Listen and meditate on David’s words and see where his hope and trust lie. Write out your own Psalm or commitment of confidence in God.
• Evaluate your own heart and what fears you are struggling with. Are they real or imaginary? God has given us instruction on how to overcome our fears by thinking on the right things.
• Meditate on Philippians 4:8.
• Look up and memorize verses that target fear.