A Woman of Confidence

Confidence is a popular word in our culture today. Talk of it can be found in books, magazines, movies, television, blogs, podcasts, songs, conferences, schools, and even churches. It is, by definition, a firm trust in something or someone. We show confidence that our job will still be available when we get to work each day, that our doctor will know how to treat us when we are sick, or that our car will start when we turn the key. It is good to have a healthy dose of confidence or we would walk around in fear and distrust of everyone and everything, but this type of confidence is not what our society is pushing for. They would have us believe that our joy and quality of life lies in self-confidence. Forget the little motivational speech your parents gave you before you went on stage for your elementary school play; this type of self-confidence has been deemed crucial for your very success in life. Christian women beware! There are many dangers with this social ideology, and the Bible gives some clear reasons why.

    Let's focus first on the lovely little word, "self". In Luke chapter nine, Jesus tells the disciples, "If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." Self-denial is not only unheard of today, it is considered something to be scoffed at. Why would anyone be willing to give up personal control of their life? While that seems crazy to most, we know firsthand what freedom from sin and self feels like. Paul explains the concept of the believer's old and new self in his letters to the Roman, Ephesian, and Colossian churches.  Our old self was corrupt, deceitful, and disobedient to the truth. Our new self is no longer enslaved to sin but is made new to reflect God in righteousness and purity of the truth. Therefore, our new self is not about us at all. It is completely about Christ! Our thoughts, desires, and actions are now led by the Spirit to bring glory to God.

Ok, what about "confidence", and how can we have any of it if we are constantly denying ourselves? "It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God." 2 Corinthians 3:5 

    He is the One we rely on! He is the One that we place our trust in! 

    It doesn't matter what expectations the world has for us. It doesn't matter if we're rich or poor, young or old, married or single, a college graduate or high school dropout, a man or woman, a new believer or saved for sixty years. Those are man's standards. Our confidence comes from knowing that the God who created the universe and upholds it by the power of His word is living in you. He has taken out your heart of stone and given you a heart of flesh. He is renewing your soul day by day to conform you to the image of His Son, and He is faithful to continue your salvation for all eternity.

Sisters, when you're exhausted and don't know how you can keep going, God is your confidence! When your marriage is rocky, God is your confidence! When you feel like you can't find your purpose in motherhood, God is your confidence! When you are tempted to compare yourself to other women around you, God is your confidence! When you are grieving, God is your confidence! You are a new creation. Let your confidence in God be the light that shines the gospel of Christ not only to your family and friends but to the lost and dying world around you.

 "For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:18-20