Confidence in Christ

Con-fi-dence {noun}- The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust

{synonyms - trust, belief, faith, credence, conviction} 

To my shame, I fight a daily battle to obtain confidence in myself. I've always been insecure in my abilities. In time, I developed the emotional habit of needing acceptance from those around me; doing things in a way I knew would gain others' approval and appreciation while, many times, discarding my own opinions, labeling them "inadequate, bad ideas", and so on...

I always question myself. 

In doing this, I inflict upon myself an overwhelming lack of self-worth and feelings of inadequacy. I fail to remember that I was created with a purpose and created by someone who loves everything about me. God created me to share His love and He created me to do so in a way that's unique to me, in a way that maybe some can't...
When I question myself and doubt the abilities God gave me, I question God and what He created! When I criticize myself, my abilities, my talents, I am really saying "God you didn't do a good enough job when you created me!" How many times I've said this to Him I couldn't count, but the thought of saying it even once is enough to bring me to my knees and beg for His forgiveness. He created me precisely how He wanted me, down to the number of hairs on my head!! {Luke 12.6-7} My simple mind will never understand the depth of His love for me...

When dealing with feelings of doubt and lack of self-worth, remember God's love for you. Remember the price He chose to pay for you!

Never forget...

1. You are fearfully and wonderfully made; hand-crafted by the One who embraces you every day in more love than any other ever could. Psalm 139.13-14 "For thou hast possessed my reins; thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

2. You are empowered by God's strength! His ever-present strength is boundlessly provided to all those who come to Him. Joshua 1.9 "Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
Philippians 4.13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

3. You are worth everything to God. You are worth so much to Him that He sacrificed His only Son for you! John 3.16 

 "For God so Loved the world 

that He gave his Only begotten Son, 

          that whosoever belieVeth in Him should not perish, 

     but have Everlasting life."

4. Christ indwells You! HIS LOVE IS IN YOU, which means you have something unique to offer people! Christ's love empowers you to influence the people He brings your way and make a difference in their lives!  1 John 2.5 "But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected..."

I may not have confidence in my own strengths and abilities, but I have confidence in the fact that God made me for a specific purpose and loves me just the way I am. He loves YOU too!! He gave you the unique talents and abilities you have. Just surrender them, even if you don't know exactly what your talents are yet. Give yourself to God, be prepared to be amazed and see how He uses you for His honor and glory!