Confidence

We are molded by our thoughts.  In fact, our mind can become a battle field of good against evil, and true wisdom against false counsel (2 Cor 10:3-5).  Our character is molded by what we allow ourselves to dwell on.

Often times, we listen to thoughts about our mistakes and the wounding outcome of them.  In our understanding of the matter, what went wrong could have been prevented if we had done or said the right thing.  This is the counsel of the mind, and is useful if it is receiving counsel from the Lord.  But so often we dwell on wounding events in our lives without asking God how we can walk forward into the grace He has for us, and the ability to do well. 

We often do many things well.  In fact, if we will take time to listen to the Lord He will walk though our minds with us, bringing His thoughts, assurances, and wisdom.  At the end of the day we can lay our heads down inspired by the wonderful God we serve.  It’s a place of inner security and fellowship with God.  I’d call that confidence that the following day will be a good one, no matter what the outcome.

Paul writes to us several times about confidence.  He himself was confident of his ability to minister to people.  He said that the words from him, written on their hearts, were letters for everyone to read (2 Cor 3:2-6).  When his ministry was in question, Paul did not step back.

Paul also writes about the confidence we have with God.  When persecuted, he wrote that the Corinthians should not be discouraged.  Paul knew that discouragement leads to lack of confidence.  Instead, Paul wrote that they could approach God with freedom and confidence.  Lack of acceptance did not cause Paul to step back from what he was doing, and neither did undermining by false brethren.

Our enemy works against us, discouraging us from finishing those things we are called by God to do.  He wants us to “shrink back” from God (Heb 10:35-39).  But it is with confidence and perseverance we will finish what we do, and receive our reward.  Perhaps if we entertain positive thoughts about ourselves we feel proud.  However, God also entertains positive thoughts about us.  He does not mold us by reviewing painful memories over and over again.  God does not bring lessons by the contual handling of our mistakes, nor of other’s mistakes either.  He does not destroy us with daily woundings.

Though God does often bring light into dark matters, it is with a spirit of Grace and a building up of our character.  We will be molded by His thoughts if we defeat the counsel that discourages us in our minds.  And with confidence, our lives will succeed in the purpose to which we are called.  Amen.