The Characteristics of Confidence (Part One) by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
What is your level of confidence? Are you very confident? Moderately confident? Or not confident at all?
As a child I had very little confidence because of a dysfunctional environment. I had no confidence in relationships, my abilities or school, but what I have determined over the years is that everyone lacks confidence. When someone over-speaks about their accomplishments, it’s because they do not have confidence and they are trying to impress someone. Instead of monopolizing a conversation, it’s important to ask questions about others. Find out who they are. Determine what their hopes and dreams are. They will often turn the attention back to you, and then it is your chance to speak.
In 2 Chronicles 32, King Hezekiah was faced with a huge problem. The Assyrians were invading Judah, and had penetrated the wall around the city. The people and the military leaders were fearful, but Hezekiah tried to build confidence in them saying, “”Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah understood that the key to our success is placing our confidence in God, not in ourselves. He is the confidence-giver. He is the one who fights our battles.
The reason I did not have confidence as a child is because I did not know God. Once I gave my heart to Jesus, my grades went up, I matured socially, and I stopped participating in activities that would be detrimental to my future. Proverbs 3:26 says, “For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” Have you ever caught your toe on a chair? It hurts! Getting snared by evil can also hurt. However, when we have confidence from God, it gives us the strength to move forward in a life surrendered to His will. Today, will you ask God for confidence rather than rely on yourself? You will do even greater things than you ever imagined!