Our Confidence is in Christ

I was talking with my daughter's ISR instructor at her lesson once and she told me that Carlee was very good at swimming, but that she just lacked the confidence that she needed. I said, "Well, she must get that from her mother because I struggle with that too." Her teacher acknowledged that she did as well and said she thought it was something a lot of women struggle with.

Then later as I was sweeping the kitchen, my thoughts drifted back to that conversation from earlier in the morning and I began to think about how I struggle with confidence whether it be dealing with people or my abilities (or my lack of!), or whatever. And then the Lord reminded me that if my heart is desiring to please Him, then I can be confident in everything I do.

I can be confident when dealing with a difficult person, I can be confident when disciplining a difficult child, I can be confident in the role of being a SAHM living on one income, and I can be confident that God has thoroughly equipped me to do whatever He has called me to do.

If our hearts are seeking God and we are following His Word, we don't need to fear judgment and rejection or simply wonder if we're good enough. Christ has called us and as His child we can be confident because of His love for us.

This kind of confidence is not the confidence that the world tries to instill in us called self-esteem. That kind of confidence is false, empty and broken and won't hold any treasure in it. The kind of confidence I'm referring to comes from the strength of Christ. His strength is made perfectly complete in our weakness and He fully equips us for what He has called us to do.

Although I may struggle with fear, rejection or whether or not I'm good enough for what I'm doing, I need to remember that my strength and power come from Christ.

Knowing this takes a huge burden off my shoulders. Before I discovered this truth in God's Word, I felt as if it all rested on ME. I had to be strong physically for my kids, I had to be strong mentally for my kids, I had to figure out how we were going to pay for this or that, and more. But I was wrong. Dead wrong. That strength is broken, useless and empty.

My Father is the one that I'm learning to draw my strength from now. When called to deal with a difficult person, I go to Him for wisdom. When called to figure out how to make ends meet, I go to my Father and ask Him to provide. When struggling physically with tiredness and sickness, I go to Him and ask for help to take care of the children.

God really blessed me one day when He shared these truths from His Word with me.

God's gracious favor is all I need to be the mom He has called me to be. His power works best in my weakness....Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am content with my weaknesses...for when I am weak, then I am strong. The Lord is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting Him. The Lord rescues those who trust in Him. When I call on Him, He will answer. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 12:9ff; Psalm 91)

When we claim these truths, the burden that is lifted and the blessings that come instead are truly freeing.

I pray that you will be encouraged and blessed today as you place your confidence in the Lord.

Thanks so much for visiting Purposeful Homemaking. Please take a moment to "Like" me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter or stay connected with Google Friend Connect so you don't miss a thing!

********************************************************************************************************
Current Sponsors

Although these are not sponsors of this particular company I am blessed to have their support on Purposeful Homemaking. Please take a minute to check out their links.

• Blessings Unlimited-unique, inspirational products for the home
• Usborne Books-excellent books for children of every age
• Heather Bixler-inspirational author of ebook devotional