Confidence

3John12 When others speak well of you, you have acceptance; but when
the truth speaks well of you, you have character. Character is
simply confidence dressed in humility. It keeps its work, its temper,
and its friends.

(Quote taken from a daily devotional titled When the Truth Speaks
Well of You)

I'm learning that confidence has the ability to become stronger and
better everyday. I'm also able to see, experience, and best of all…
accept my own lessons in self-confidence; which continues to become
stronger and better every day. I believe of my confidence – at least
some of it - is definitely "dressed in humility." Through the various
areas God has taken me, I'm a gaining a confidence in myself. And
more than that, God's ability to provide for my areas of weaknesses -
areas where I am not comfortable enough or feel I need … to learn
more, work harder, etc. Most especially because these areas are not
at a greater level than I feel they should be, I know I must get out
of the boat and walk on the water. I must, to put it simply, trust
God's will and do as He commands and trust that He will provide
through me. I believe this is a healthy humility in Christ and is
available for all. I also believe that God wants this for all of us…
to be able to look upon ourselves in honesty, see our strengths and
weaknesses, gifts and the areas we need to grow and then trust in Him
to provide the rest. It's about realizing that it's not about us,
but about the God of glory that we serve.

You may wonder where such confidence can come from or how it comes
from within. It comes when God has taught you that loving yourself
for who you are is a good thing…something which glorifies Him. After
all, He took special care to create you. You cannot have a God-
glorifying self-confidence without that most important ingredient.
For some, it may be hard to come by. But I believe that for those of
you that struggle with this very issue, it is imperative that you
begin to listen to the voice of your loving Father and choose to
refuse those thoughts that haunt you only to bring you down. Little
by little it may come, while for others it may be instantaneous.
It's ok. However you get there…go!

So, come on, take His hand; trust in Him. Take His hand and let Him
lead you out of the boat of safety onto unknown waters, where you can
walk with Him side-by-side.

Father, Help us to know and understand Your love for us. Give us the
ability to love ourselves truly. Mostly, Lord Jesus, fill us with
our own sense of self-confidence, knowing You will never let us sink
or make us swim. You will provide, and through You, we can – faults
and all – glorify Your name. It is in Your most precious name we
pray, AMEN.