Posts Tagged ‘confidence’

A Good Question to Ask When We Feel Afraid

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Relevant questions reveal a lot about what people think and the reason for their behavior. Lawyers use them. So do life coaches. And parents.

David used them, too. The Psalms record numerous songs and prayers he wrote throughout his lifetime, and many contain questions. On one occasion, as he ran from enemies determined to capture or kill him, he asked, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psa. 56:4,11).

That’s a very good question, simple and direct. It helps us focus our spiritual eyes where they belong—on the almighty, all-wise, all-powerful God who presences Himself with His people at all times. When we truly acknowledge who He is and chose to trust His character, fear loses its grip on us. Here are some examples of how this has worked in my life:

When my husband suffered a major reaction to a wasp sting last fall, I asked myself this question and found comfort. I knew that the incident was no surprise to God, and that He would care for me if anything happened to my hubby.

When I wonder whether or not our overseas ministry will have enough volunteers to fill the necessary slots this summer, I ask myself this question and find confidence. God is a master at working out the details.

As technology forces change in publishing and marketing techniques, I ask myself this question and discover peace. I’ll do what I can knowing that God says nothing can thwart His purposes, and He controls my destiny.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

If you’re facing a difficulty right now, then pause and reflect on who God is. Read the Psalms and discover who He claims to be. Praise Him for these characteristics. Thank Him for the promises He’s given you. When you’ve finished doing these things, ask yourself this question: “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” I guarantee you’ll find a new perspective.

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Turning Fear to Confidence

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Yesterday our pastor spoke about overcoming fear. It’s an endless topic, it seems, with endless reasons to feel afraid.

This week, farmers in Manitoba wait and watch as floodwaters approach and fill their fields. In the southern States, the Mississippi river rises and workers desperately try to avert a catastrophe that could exceed Hurricane Katrina. And this comes on the heels of rogue tornadoes that recently killed hundreds.

Men and women struggling today to save their homes and livelihood, and those grieving the recent loss of their loved ones are dealing with fear. Most of us, however, watch these situations unfold on TV until we’ve heard and seen enough, and then we go about our daily business. But every once in a while, a closer-to-home situation arises, and fear threatens to take up residence in our hearts and minds.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend from church drew me aside at the end of the Sunday service. Her voice choked as she whispered, “I’ve had a cat-scan, and the doctor saw spots on my lungs. I’m going for further tests. Would you please pray for me?” I gave her a big hug and asked God to fill and surround her with His peace as she waits for her tests and the results.

Over the past couple of weeks, my hubby and I have trained nearly two dozen people who will be doing short-term missions trips this summer. They’ve expressed fears of another sort: fear that their fundraising efforts will fall short, fear of getting lost in airports, fear of inadequacy as they minister to people of another culture, fear of eating unfamiliar foods, and fear of not getting enough rest or of becoming ill on the trip.

As for me, I struggle with fear, too. Here’s the latest: I’m afraid that, if our mission volunteers allow their fears to grow, they’ll become discouraged and change their minds about going! I’m also afraid that we’ll have to cancel one of our outreaches in Romania because that team still lacks two members. Time is running out. How might a cancellation impact the ministry of our career staff with whom we plan to partner for this outreach?

Every time I feel fear tighten its grip on me, I turn to the Scripture and focus on its truth. This morning I read, “They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly” (Psalm 112:7,8).  What a great reminder, eh?

No matter what circumstances you and I face—and I guarantee we will face tough stuff—we can rest assured that the Lord will care for us. We may need to retrain negative thought patterns by filling our minds with the truth found in Scripture, but as we do, we can move beyond our fears with confident trust in this all-powerful, all-present, all-wise, and ever-loving God.

What fears are you facing today?

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My Reason for Confidence

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

When people hear about our overseas ministry travels, they sometimes ask us, “Aren’t you afraid?” They refer to our traveling in countries where we don’t understand the language, we (as obvious foreigners) must be alert to the risk of pickpockets in trains and train stations, and driving on narrow tree-lined highways where passing slower vehicles feels downright dangerous to our North American driving standards.

Okay. I’ll admit occasional fear. I remember when one of our volunteer’s purse was stolen when we ate in a Hungarian hotel restaurant. Her purse contained her passport, her ID, and her credit cards. Our team was scheduled to return to Canada within a few hours of the theft, but she had to remain in Budapest for two additional days until the embassy processed her new passport. I felt fearful for her well-being, worried that the thieves would strike again because they knew this foreign woman—minus her credit cards—would now be carrying cash.

Overseas travel can have its scary moments, but really, how’s that different from life in North America? No matter where we live, fearful things happen—a doctor’s diagnosis flips our world upside down, an accident injures a loved one, a spouse walks out. The list is endless and leaves us facing a choice—let the fear consume us or rise above it with confidence.

How can confidence become our companion? Here are some verses that encouraged me recently. They’re from the story of Balak commanding Balaam to curse the Israelites. God, however, told Balaam to do otherwise. This is the message He gave Balaam concerning His people:

“No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the LORD their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king. God brought them out of Egypt; for them he is as strong as a wild ox. No curse can touch Jacob; no magic has any power against Israel” (Numbers 23:21-23).”

Reread these verses, one phrase at a time and ponder how they apply to you, as one of God’s children today. God has brought you out of Egypt—He’s freed you from the slavery of sin. He is with you and is strong on your behalf. No curse can touch you; no magic has power against you. This doesn’t mean that bad things won’t happen, but it means that God’s presence will never leave you and that He has promised ultimate victory despite the stuff that the enemy throws our way.

What’s my reason for confidence? No matter what happens to me, I’m a victor because God is the king of my life. No harm can touch me unless He allows it. And if that happens, I’m still in His care and He will somehow use it for my good and His glory.

 Question: What’s your reason for confidence?

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What Makes Believers Different?

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Scripture says Jesus’ followers are supposed to be salt and light, right? How does that happen? Here’s my two cents’ worth:

God’s presence is the key that sets us apart from the rest of the world. His Holy Spirit lives in us 24/7. If we allow Him full control, then He fills us with peace, patience, joy, gentleness, love, and wisdom. He teaches us how to behave in a people-respecting and God-honoring manner.

Practically speaking, that means we don’t yell and stamp our feet or slam the door behind us when we don’t get our own way. We don’t cheat on our income taxes. We stay true to our spouse. We turn off the TV when it’s broadcasting smut. Get the picture? God’s presence in us is supposed to make us different than the average Joe. But I think there’s more.

I believe His presence produces courage in us. Whether facing personal problems or global crisis, followers of Christ can emulate confidence. That doesn’t mean we never feel afraid, but it means we know how to deal with the fear when it strikes and we refuse to let it consume us.

When people look at us, they see something different – or at least they should! They ought to see character qualities and inner strength that attract them and cannot be counterfeited.

“For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth,” said Moses (Exodus 33:16). I think he’s right. How about you?

 Question: How do you think God’s presence sets His people apart from all others on the earth?

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I’m a Winner!

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010
Wanna know what really excites me? Having the confidence that victory is mine no matter what. As a child of God, nothing—absolutely nothing—can wrestle me to the ground and keep me down.  

I’m not claiming to have a problem-free life. I face ups and downs like everyone else on the planet. Discouragement hits me when circumstances don’t turn out the way I wish they would. Chronic physical pain makes it difficult to roll out of bed some mornings. Concerns about extended family members’ health and spiritual well-being weigh me down. These issues present ongoing challenges, but they cannot defeat me. Why am I so sure of this?

Because the God I serve is a God of victory.

Psalm 97:1-3 says, “Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory, his holy arm has shown his saving power! The LORD has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation! He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.”

God is a God of victory. That makes me, His daughter, a guaranteed winner, too, because He fights on my behalf. When circumstances discourage me, I call on Him for help and He rushes to my rescue. He might choose not to deliver me from my situation, but He always proves faithful in the midst of it. He gives me strength. He promises wisdom. And He grants hope. Even if bad things happen, He’s able to turn them into something good and of eternal value. The word loser is not in His vocabulary, unless, of course, it’s used to describe Satan.

Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Are you walking in obedience to His Word? If so, then you’re a guaranteed winner, too. Nothing can keep you down or hold you back. God is on your side, my friend. Revel in that knowledge and let it fill you with confidence today.

How does the truth of guaranteed victory encourage you in the midst of your present circumstances?

 

Thanks to the Cross of Christ, we have guaranteed victory! (Taken at Cedar Springs, Washington)

 

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Who’s in Control, Anyway?

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

A recurring theme has brought me huge encouragement over the past couple of weeks. It’s all about God’s sovereignty in the lives of His kids. I’ve been pondering this truth…meditating on it…mulling over it. The result? I think I’m beginning to understand what it means to be still, to cease striving, and to know that He is God. And with that understanding comes rest, peace, and confidence.

Peter recognized this truth at work in his life, too. It happened after King Herod Agrippa had arrested and imprisoned him. The night before he was to be placed on trial, an angel rescued him from his cell. At first Peter thought the angel was a vision and his escape was only a dream. But Acts 12:11 says, “Peter finally came to his senses. ‘It’s really true!’ he said. ‘The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!’”

In Peter’s aha moment, he acknowledged that God was in control of his life. The Jewish leaders had planned to do him harm, but God had plans of a different kind and He had the resources to fulfill them. Guess who won?

When we’re walking in right relationship with the living God, we can rest assured that everything’s under control – His control. Psalm 138:8 says, “The LORD will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

This theme of God’s ultimate sovereignty is especially meaningful to me today. I’ve written a study guide for Moving From Fear to Freedom and am awaiting a decision about a grant application that would provide the funds to publish it and produce a corresponding 7-part teaching DVD. Today, this potential product is being presented at the U.S. headquarters of an international women’s ministry. If it’s accepted there, then the grant will likely be approved and the book and DVD can be produced as an evangelism tool for women’s groups.

I’m excited at the prospect. I’ve seen many details come together to bring this concept to this point. But I’m also aware of the what-ifs – What if the U.S. staff say no? What if the grant isn’t approved? I’ve worked on this project for weeks, I’ve booked a venue and a videographer for the live teaching sessions that will take place this fall, I’ve figured out a budget and filled out a grant application, and the list goes on. My challenge now lies in trusting God’s sovereignty. Do I really believe that the Lord will work out His plans for my life as He promises?

I’m pondering this truth, meditating on it, mulling over it…and I’m experiencing rest, peace and confidence (most of the time!). Would you pray with me for God to accomplish His purposes in this situation?

 What situation in your life calls you to trust God’s control?

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Follow the Leader

Monday, February 15th, 2010

About two months ago, changing circumstances pointed toward a shift in my ministry focus. That meant investing big bucks in training, doing homework assignments, and experiencing a straight-up learning curve. Believing this shift was God-directed, I took a leap into the big unknown. I’m not sure where or when I’ll land, but I’m okay with that so long as He’s in control. Psalm 25:1 describes how I feel right now: “O Lord, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God.”

Moving in this new direction is keeping me on my knees. Every day I pray that God will clearly lead me one step at a time on the path He’s chosen for me. Here are several Scriptures that reassure me of His ability and desire to answer my prayer:

  • Psalm 25:4 – “Show me the right path, O Lord, point out the road for me to follow.”
  • Psalm 25:5 – “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”
  • Psalm 25:8 – “The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray.”
  • Psalm 25:9 – “He leads the humble in doing right, in teaching them his way.”
  • Psalm 25:10 – “The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.”
  • Psalm 25:13 – “Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose.”

Wow – reviewing these Scriptures as I write this only serves to affirm my confidence in the Leader. I can hardly wait to see what He’s planning for the future. I’ll keep you posted as He reveals it to me!

Perhaps you’re headed down a new path, too. Maybe you’re facing a critical, potentially life-changing, decision. Perhaps your stomach knots at the thought of making the wrong choice. If that’s the case, then here’s my word to you — don’t be afraid. When your heart is bent on honoring God rather than serving yourself, He will guide your steps.

What Scripture has been meaningful to you when traveling a new path in life?

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What do People See When They Look at Us?

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Here’s a thought for the day, based on Galatians 2:4 where Paul wrote about false Christians spying on him. These folks were entrenched in religious rules and regulations, but they’d heard Paul’s message about “freedom in Christ” and wanted to see what that looked like in real life.   

When people – especially those entrenched in hopelessness or fear – look at me or you, what do they see? I’m not talking about the color of our shirt or the highlights in our hair. I’m talking about other stuff…our countenance, the reflection in our eyes, and our body language. When people look at me or you, do they see…

a)     a woman wrapped in peace or warped by worry?

b)     a woman who faces the future with confidence or with anxiety?

c)     a woman who reflects joy or the jitters?

Hopefully we can circle the first option in each of the above. And hopefully we don’t need to add a conditional clause such as, “When others look at me, they see a woman wrapped in peace except at certain times of the month,” or “When others look at me, they see a woman who faces the future with confidence unless that future is lookin’ a bit gloomy,” or “When others look at me, they see a woman who reflects joy except when circumstances don’t turn out the way she wishes.”

If we profess to know Christ, then let’s ensure that our lives reflect the hope and peace that’s at our disposal. That doesn’t mean we have to be “happy, happy, happy” all the time – personally, I think that mentality’s a farce. In real life, we face tragedies and heartbreaks, and we shed real tears. But in the midst of those difficulties, we have hope because Christ lives in and through us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He promises to provide for us, care for us, and hide us in the shelter of His wing.

When people look at me or you, let’s ensure they see Christ in us, the hope of glory. For me, that means learning to express immediate thankfulness to God no matter what circumstances come my way. What change (s) must take place in your life for that to happen on a consistent basis?

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